Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, paid a visit to the location of the new Limerick Community Special School in Limerick last week. The new school located in Mungret, established under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board will open its doors to an initial 30 students in September 2024, helping to provide for children with a moderate general learning disability and complex needs or autism and complex needs from 4 to 18 years.
Deirdre Bourke, the newly-appointed Principal and Niamh Cooke, the newly-appointed Deputy Principal, were joined by George O’Callaghan, ETB Chief Executive, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, ETB Chair, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, ETB Director of Schools and Eamon Murphy, ETB Director of Organisation Support and Development as they and other invited guests welcomed the Minister.
The Department of Education made the announcement regarding the new school last December, following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NSCE) around the creation of four new special schools throughout Ireland, including Limerick, to address the increasing number of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Following a tour of the ground floor of the existing Mungret Community College school building, the Minister took the time to speak with the team who will be leading the staff of the new school. During the meeting Deirdre and Niamh outlined plans for the new school in a short presentation. The Minister remarked that she was “delighted to meet with such a dynamic young team who will be at the helm of the new school in September.” She also spoke about the Government’s commitment to “delivering an inclusive education system that is open and welcoming to everyone.”
Commenting on the visit, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, George O’Callaghan, said: “The ETB was delighted to welcome Minister Foley to Limerick to see the site of the new Limerick Community Special School, where students will be encouraged to reach their full potential and thrive in an inclusive environment and to meet with the staff who will be instrumental in helping to make this a reality.”
For more information on the new Limerick Community Special School visit www.limerickcss.ie
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