Good news as special school is set to open up in this Kildare town

Positive news for County Kildare has been revealed, as a new special school is set to open up in one South Kildare town.

Newbridge-based Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the announcement of a new special school for Monasterevin.

The new school, which will open for the 2026 / 2027 school year, is set to be established through the repurposing of the existing St Peter's boys primary school in Monasterevin as it moves into a new school building.

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According to Senator O'Loughlin, who has a background in teaching, the announcement was made by Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan TD (Fianna Fáil), and forms part of a wider national effort to expand special education provision.

To date this year, 387 new special classes have been sanctioned, with further classes expected to be confirmed by the National Council for Special Education in the coming weeks.

Kildare has received 18 of these new special classes so far this year, more than other commuter counties such as Wicklow and Louth.

'EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO EDUCATION'

Speaking further on the announcement, Senator O’Loughlin asserted that the new school "will increase capacity for students with additional needs across the county".

“Every child has a right to an education; that education must be accessible and supported so that each child can fully benefit from it.

"We have already significantly increased the number of special classes available for the next school year both in Kildare and across the country, and further announcements are expected in the weeks and months ahead."

She concluded: "Expanding the availability of special classes remains a priority, and I will continue to engage with the Department and the Minister to make a strong case for increased provision in Kildare."

Senator O'Loughlin recently made headlines when she criticised the practice of sulky racing in Kildare.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File photograph

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