Funding has been granted for a new extension for St John’s Special School in Dungarvan.

They cater for boys and girls aged between 4 and 18 years with a mild or moderate learning disability as well as children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.

The school now plans to build a three-classroom special education needs base over two floors.

Waterford Fianna Fail TD Mary Butler raised the matter in the Dáil and received this reply from Minister of State Pat Breen

“In February 2019 the Department of Education and Skills received costings and plans for the proposed building from the board of management.

“The plans submitted included additional floor area and the cost estimate was significantly above the approved grant.

“What the board of management now proposes is a three-classroom SEN base over two floors.

“The school’s consultant has advised that as the site is restricted it is his opinion that the only viable option is a two-storey structure.

“It is accepted by the Department that the school site in question is confined in nature.

“I am pleased to inform the Deputy that departmental officials have reviewed this new proposal, approved the additional scope of work and advised the school to proceed to planning with the proposed design.”

Deputy Butler welcomed the funding:

“I welcome the approval for the three-classroom SEN base and appreciate that two extensions have been provided at the school in the past eight years.

“This new provision will be the third at the school.

“I reiterate that given the significant number of children presenting to the school with special and complex needs, a long-term solution will have to be put in place in the next five to ten years.”

Local Senator Paudie Coffey has also warmly welcomed the funding, which will make a huge difference for the school community.

Senator Coffey said: “This school caters for children with complex needs and disabilities and has a huge catchment area all over Waterford, into East Cork and parts of Tipperary.

“St John’s are short two classrooms and have had to resort to team teaching and using spare rooms in the school next door.

“Over the last couple of years as their numbers have continued to grow, they have had to establish a waiting list as they cannot accommodate the numbers who need to enrol.

“This was a huge disadvantage to local children who had no other local special school to go to.

“Previous funding earmarked for the project fell significantly short of what the project would cost.

“I have been in constant contact with my colleague the Minister for Education Joe McHugh highlighting the issue and I’m delighted that appropriate funding has finally been granted.

“This will make a huge difference to pupils and staff at the school and help to ensure those on waiting lists are catered for.”