Update on New Special School in Cork

A working group made up of Cork ETB officials, Department of Education Officials and NCSE officials are meeting monthly since December as part of regular monthly meeting on all Cork ETB special schools to progress the establishment of this new special school.

The new special school will be based at the former primary school building in Carignavar.  Arrangements have been agreed with the Diocese for acquisition of this property which is on a circa. 2.7 acre site.  The scope of repurposing works to facilitate the establishment of the new special school is currently being worked through by Project Managers and their Design Team. A contractor framework is in place to facilitate commencement of works when the scope of works and design process has been completed. The target is to have these works done as early as possible in the 2025/26 school year.  In the interim, it is envisaged the new special school will open in September 2025 using spare classroom accommodation at Gaelscoil De Híde in Fermoy.  This is a Department owned school building built in 2017 and has good modern facilities. Transport arrangements will be put in place to facilitate the opening of the new school in its interim location in Fermoy.

It is envisaged that 24 students will be enrolled in the new special school.  Cork ETB have commenced the recruitment process for the School Principal.

Separately, arrangements are being put in place to significantly increase capacity at other existing special schools to cater for special school place requirements for the 2025/26 school year. This is in tandem with significant expansion of special class places in primary and post-primary schools.