Additional special classes for Cavan and Monaghan

Families of children with special educational needs are set to see improved access to tailored learning support, with five new special classes confirmed for Cavan and at least five more in Monaghan for the 2026/2027 school year.

For Cavan, five new special classes have been confirmed, including one at Breifne College for post-primary students with autism, and four primary-level classes at Killinkere NS, St Michael’s NS in Cootehill, Mullahoran Central, and Kilnaleck, all catering to children on the autism spectrum.

Monaghan mirrors this expansion, with five new classes listed across both primary and post-primary schools. These include a post-primary class at Our Lady’s Secondary School in Castleblayney for students with mild general learning disabilities, alongside four primary-level classes at Corracrin NS, St Dympna’s NS, Scoil Bhríde in Mullaghrafferty, and Scoil Éanna in Ballybay, again all focused on supporting children with autism.

The new sanctioning process, which began in January this year, is running several months earlier than in previous years. Most of the new classes are being provided within existing school accommodation that has been reconfigured to meet the specific needs of students. Each primary-level class is allocated one teacher and two Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), while post-primary classes receive 1.5 teachers alongside two SNAs.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith, who has been actively advocating for the approval of additonal classes, welcomed the move and said the early confirmations bring much-needed clarity for parents and school communities.

The NCSE has indicated that further special classes will continue to be sanctioned in the coming months.