Labour councillor demands school places for children with disabilities

Labour Dublin City Councillor Alison Field will deliver a letter to government ministers asking for support to transform vacant and derelict buildings into dedicated spaces for children with disabilities. 

The Clontarf councillor said, “as an autism mother of James Field who is 11, I have experienced first hand the impact of delayed assessments for schooling and therapists. The emotional and psychological toll on families is immeasurable.”

“Since my election to the Council last June, I have constantly raised this issue. Now, with the support of my colleagues on the council, I am calling for action from this government.”

“We are urging Dublin City Council to take immediate and decisive action to support children with disabilities, and tomorrow I will deliver a letter to the government asking for their support,” she said.

Field asserts that tackling dereliction could play a part in solving the crisis.

“Walk around any corner of our city, and there are countless vacant and derelict buildings. It’s high time we have a vision for our children and work to transform some of these buildings into appropriate spaces for children with disabilities.

“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.

The Labour councillor said, “we must act now to transform these spaces into thriving centres of learning and support for our children.”

“The issue of vacant properties in Dublin has been a longstanding concern. 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 centres tailored for children with autism.”

Field spoke of her own journey as the parent of a child with autism. saying “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. I applied to nineteen schools.

“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.

“The challenges faced by children with disabilities extend beyond the lack of physical spaces. There is a pressing need for adequately trained teachers and 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.

“Converting these buildings is not a panacea, but with the necessary resources, I hope to collaborate with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for our children. This is not just about infrastructure, it’s about justice, equality and compassion. And it’s time to act now.”