Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has called for a clear plan to deliver additional special school capacity across Waterford, including the provision of new schools to serve Tramore and surrounding communities and the East Cork / West Waterford catchment areas. 

Deputy McGuinness raised the issue in a parliamentary question to Minister of State Michael Moynihan, who confirmed that the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education will continue to monitor the need for additional places in Waterford.

Deputy McGuinness said:

“Waterford is served by two special schools: St Joseph’s Special School in Waterford city and St John’s Special School in Dungarvan. Both provide an excellent education tailored to the needs of their pupils. I want to recognise the dedication of their staff, leadership teams and wider school communities.

“However, we need additional capacity to meet growing demand. I have called for a dedicated special school in Tramore, while also highlighting the need for more places across the county.

“St John’s in Dungarvan serves a very wide catchment area, including West Waterford, much of East Cork and parts of South Tipperary. With existing capacity stretched, we need to plan for additional provision to serve these communities.

“The Minister has confirmed that Waterford’s needs will continue to be monitored. But families need more than monitoring. They need certainty that appropriate school places will be available for their children.

“I have been campaigning for increased capacity and access to special education alongside my fellow Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane. I will continue to press for additional capacity to meet the needs of children and families across Waterford and the surrounding areas.”