Higgins welcomes 7 new special classes for Dublin Mid-West

Seven new special classes will be introduced to schools in Dublin Mid-West in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs, Minister of State for Disability and Dublin Mid West TD, Emer Higgins said.

Minister Higgins said the additional classes are a significant step to supporting children with special educational needs and their families in Dublin Mid West. The schools approved to establish new special classes are Griffeen Community College, Lucan, Divine Mercy SNS, Lucan, Citywest Educate Together National School, Citywest, St. Brigids National School, Tallaght and St. Ronan’s National School, Clondalkin.

Minister Higgins explained: “There has been a very significant growth in demand for special school and special class places in recent years. This is an estimated 25% of the total student population, or 240,000 children and young people with special educational needs, that are supported in mainstream classes.”

Budget 2026 provides over €3 billion in funding for special education. This increased funding will allow schools recruit additional teaching and SNA staff to provide another 3,000 new special class and special school places. This is the largest annual funding provision for new special education placements and builds on the accelerated delivery of new special class and special school places over recent years.

“The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Dublin Mid West and reflects the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve. I look forward to seeing the continued expansion of special classes across Dublin Mid West, ensuring that children with special educational needs can access appropriate supports within their own communities.” Minister Higgins concluded.