Labour’s Councillor Alison Field has called on Dublin City Council to take “immediate and decisive action” to support children with autism.
Speaking at last night’s council meeting, the Labour councillor from Clontarf highlighted the pressing need to repurpose the city’s numerous vacant buildings into dedicated spaces for children with autism.
Field said, “last Friday, I stood in solidarity with parents outside the Department of Education, who are fighting for education spaces for their children.”
Field cited the example of a Dublin mother who faced the challenge of her 12-year-old child being refused placement by 19 secondary schools.
“This is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a systemic problem that demands immediate attention. That’s why I raised the issue at the Dublin City Council meeting yesterday.”
She said, “it is a travesty that in our city, countless buildings stand empty while children with autism and their families struggle to find appropriate educational and support spaces.”
“These vacant properties represent not just missed opportunities but a glaring oversight in our commitment to inclusivity and community welfare. We must act now to transform these spaces into thriving centers of learning and support for our children.
“The emotional and psychological toll on families is immeasurable. I know first hand the stress this can cause. Six years ago, I had to fight for a school space for my son James and the pressure felt unending. Next year, we’ll face the battle of securing a secondary school place for him. Parents are left in a perpetual state of anxiety, uncertain about their children’s futures. It’s high time we, as a council, recognise our role and responsibility in alleviating this burden.”
Field noted that “the issue of vacant properties in Dublin has been a longstanding concern” and tacking that issue could also play a part in solving this additional crisis.”
“These properties, if repurposed, could serve as specialised educational centres or community support facilities for children with autism and their families; imagine the transformative impact of converting these vacant spaces into centers tailored for children with autism.”
“The challenges faced by children with autism extend beyond the lack of physical spaces. There is a pressing need for adequately trained teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to ensure these children receive the quality education they deserve. Without proper support, even those who secure school placements may not fully benefit from their educational experiences.
“Training and retaining qualified educators and SNAs is paramount. We know pay and conditions are simply inadequate, and the Government must look into this also. We cannot merely provide spaces; we must ensure that these spaces are staffed with professionals equipped to cater to the unique needs of children with autism.”
“We in Labour stand in solidarity with families affected by these challenges. We urge the DCC and Government to prioritise this issue, allocate necessary resources, and collaborate with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about justice, equality, and compassion.”