Major expansion approved for Tipperary special school
A Tipperary school for students with disabilities has been given the go-ahead for a major expansion that will deliver 14 additional classrooms along with therapy rooms and specialist facilities.
Scoil Aonghusa Special School in Cashel has been approved for the major extension, with the approval allowing the school to proceed to the construction phase.
The news has been welcomed by Tipperary TD Michael Murphy, who said it will help the school support the complex needs of some of its students.
"The project, which has been a key priority for me since my election, will deliver 14 new special education classrooms along with therapy rooms, specialist classrooms and ancillary facilities, strengthening the school’s ability to support students with complex needs,” he said.
"I am delighted to receive confirmation that this important project can now proceed to construction. Scoil Aonghusa is a centre of educational excellence serving children with complex special needs and this expansion will significantly enhance special education provision in the region,” he added.
The school currently has 150 students — 116 boys and 34 girls — and caters for children with moderate, severe and profound general learning disabilities, as well as autism spectrum disorder.
It is hoped that the new school facilities will be in place in time for the 2027 school term, Deputy Murphy said.
“This approval represents a very significant milestone. I will continue working closely with the school leadership and the Department to ensure the project progresses without delay so that these much-needed facilities can be delivered as quickly as possible and in time for the September 2027 school year,” he said.
North Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said that the announcement was a “great investment in Tipperary special schools,” while local councillor John O’Heney said that the announcement is “welcome news that will benefit so many families in the years ahead”.
Scoil Aonghusa also has an early-intervention class for children with autism aged three and up, and adapts the school curriculum to suit the children they teach.
Previously, Lidan Construction was selected as the design-build contractor, while Healy Architects have been leading the design team.
The expansion is expected to significantly increase capacity for special education in the region.