Seven Waterford schools to receive new special education classes - We are WLR FM

Up to seven schools in Waterford will receive new special education classes for the 2026/27 academic year.

Minister of State John Cummins TD made the announcement on Monday, January 12, as part of a nationwide allocation from the Department of Education.

The funding will deliver 168 new special classes across 159 schools nationwide, with Waterford securing places at both primary and post-primary level.

Long-Standing Pressure for School Places

The announcement follows years of pressure from parents in Waterford and across the country over a shortage of school places for children with additional needs.

In recent years, families have faced long waiting lists and limited options locally.
Some parents have had to travel outside the county to secure their child’s constitutional right to an education.

In April 2025, several Waterford parents travelled to Dublin to protest and call on the Government to provide adequate special education supports.

Waterford ‘Prioritised’ in Allocation

Minister Cummins said he worked closely with the Minister for Education, schools and parents to ensure Waterford received priority in the allocation process.

He welcomed the announcement, noting that seven of the new classes will be based in the county.

“Today the Government is announcing the sanction of 168 new special classes nationwide,” he said.
“I’m delighted that seven of these will be in Waterford, with four at post-primary level and three at primary level.”

He also thanked Fine Gael colleagues Hildegarde Naughton and former minister Helen McEntee for accelerating the approval process.

“Bringing forward sanction dates reduces uncertainty for families who are urgently seeking places,” he said.

Growing Demand for Special Education

Minister Cummins said the demand for special classes in Waterford continues to grow.

“This is an area I am deeply passionate about,” he said.
“I have consistently worked with schools, parents and the line Minister to ensure Waterford is prioritised.”

He noted that 16 special classes were added across the county last year alone.

“That demonstrates the level of need that exists,” he said.
“I know these seven classes in the first tranche will be welcomed by parent groups.”

He also acknowledged the role of schools in delivering inclusive education and said a centralised admissions portal is currently being trialled, with plans for a national rollout.