[Parliamentary Question and response below]
Progress is finally being made on long-awaited new classrooms for St. John’s Special School in Dungarvan — but serious concerns remain about the timeline and the failure by Government to have appropriate places ready for children by September, according to Waterford TD Conor D. McGuinness.
Speaking after receiving a written update from the Minister for Education, Deputy McGuinness confirmed that while the delivery of modular units is now underway, the Government’s current timeline still leaves children without the spaces they need at the start of the school year.
“There is finally some movement — and that’s welcome — but it’s nowhere near good enough. The Department is now saying Q4, which could mean anything from October to December. That’s not acceptable. Children are back to school in early September. They need a suitable, safe place to learn from day one,” he said.
Deputy McGuinness, who has championed the issue in the Dáil and directly with the Department, said the blame does not rest with the school, but with Government failure to plan ahead and act in time.
“This crisis was avoidable. The school has done everything asked of it — as have parents, staff and the wider community. But the Department dragged its feet after the initial announcement. They took their eye off the ball, and now families are left facing uncertainty at the start of a new school year.”
While the classrooms have been manufactured and site works have begun, temporary arrangements will still be required in the autumn. Deputy McGuinness said staff also need to be properly supported during this period.
“It’s not just about buildings — it’s about children’s rights, and staff being able to do their jobs in the right environment. The Department needs to step up, push for an earlier timeline, and deliver what these children need.”
He concluded:
“I’ll keep fighting for this project until it’s complete. All children are entitled to an appropriate education — and I’ll continue holding the Minister to account every step of the way.”ENDS
Conor D. McGuinness TD 