ETB to meet over plans for Monaghan special school

THE need for a new purpose-built Monaghan Community Special School was discussed briefly at the most recent meeting of the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).

Chief Executive of the Board, Dr Fiona McGrath, said she would convene a special meeting of members to discuss the current school building, options for additional classroom accommodation on the current site and the prospect of constructing a completely new building at a different location.

Monaghan’s first school for children with special needs was opened in October 2025 to great relief and praise from local parents in an interim site at the old technical school on the Dublin Road, Castleblayney. The local ETB was appointed patron of the school.

The current intake is 18 pupils in one junior and two senior classrooms with high demand and a waiting list for more places.

The Department of Education and Youth is currently working on a design proposal to add modular accommodation at the interim site.

Since the current location of the school was announced some parents and campaigners, local politicians and members of CMETB have been calling for a new purpose-built special school to be constructed, which will meet the current and future demand of children aged 4-18 with special needs in County Monaghan.

Dr McGrath congratulated the executive on the work ongoing to develop modular accommodation and said it was time for CMETB to meet to discuss future options.

Director of Schools, Paddy Flood, said he had expected to receive proposals from the Department of Education at this stage and, in the absence of same, the ETB would not have a document to work from at a meeting.

Michelle Flynn, a teacher rep on the CMETB, asked if the Department had seen the Dublin Road building.

“It’s not fit for purpose,” she said.

Joe McGrath, representing the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, concurred describing a slope up to the school from the busy Dublin Road in Castleblayney as “not suitable”.

Businessman board member, Peter McVitty, asked if the views of parents had been sought and Michelle Flynn said: “At the moment they’re just delighted to have the school.”

“I know,” Mr McVitty said, “but what happens when the numbers go to 54?”

“All their buildings are re-purposed public buildings,” the Director of Schools said, “I think they’re trying to find a way around it, but it might not work.”

Chair of CMETB Cllr Clifford Kelly said it is good that the Board will soon meet to discuss all options and the discussion ended with members being told they will be notified of a meeting in due course.