Taoiseach Simon Harris opens two new special schools in Naas and Gorey
- Foilsithe: 7 Eanáir 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton have today officially opened two new special schools - Craddockstown School in Naas, Co. Kildare and Gorey Hill Special School in Gorey, Co. Wexford.
These special schools provide an appropriate education for students, aged 4 to 18 years old, who have complex learning needs or a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs.
They are two of 11 new special schools that have been established over the last five years. This investment continues with Budget 2025’s provision of over €2.9 billion to provide supports for children with special educational needs.
The Taoiseach said:
“I am delighted to see schools like Gorey Hill Special School and Craddockstown Special School opening in the community. These schools provide a vital role in providing tailored education for children with additional needs and are designed to offer children an environment where they can thrive both academically and socially.
“Although we are making good progress in this area, we need to do more, and we will continue to work hard to deliver for children with additional needs.
“With the Budget announced for this year, over €2.9 billion will be allocated to provide supports for children with special educational needs.”
Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton said:
“I am so happy to see Gorey Hill Special School and Craddockstown Special School officially opened. This is such an exciting and important day, especially for the children and young people who are at the very heart of everything we celebrate today.
“These schools are a place where children will feel welcomed, supported, and valued for who they are. It will be a place where they can grow, learn, and achieve in a way that suits their unique strengths and abilities. Every child deserves to feel connected to their school and community which will be made a reality in the new special schools in Gorey and Naas.”