Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Deputy Erin McGreehan, welcomes 2 new special classes in Louth. The additional classes were announced today by Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan.

Today’s announcement comes as part of the first tranche of new special classes allocated nationwide, which will see a record number of new special classes sanctioned across the country to open for the 2026/2027 school year.

Today sees 168 classes assigned to 159 schools, with 2 classes assigned in Louth.

Deputy McGreehan said:

“I am delighted today to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague Minister Michael Moynihan that 2 new special classes have been allocated to Louth. Included in today’s allocation is are Marymount National School in Drogheda and St. Mary’s College in Dundalk.

“These additional resources will have enormous benefits for students, teachers, and parents. Everybody is entitled to an education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to giving every child throughout the country an equal opportunity at education.

“Not only that, but the right resources must be there for those who depend on it, and that is why I am delighted with today’s allocation for my constituency,” she said.

This forms as part of a greater allocation of 168 new classes nationwide, with more classes to be sanctioned over the coming weeks and months.

“From speaking directly with parents on the ground, I am fully aware of the unjust stress being placed on families as they wait for services they should never have to fight for. There is a particular challenge at present in accessing secondary school places in the area.

“While progress has been made today, I will continue to work closely with the Department and the Minister ahead of the next allocation in the coming months to ensure that students in Louth receive the supports they need.”

Deputy McGreehan went on to praise the work of Minister Moynihan, highlighting clarity for parents earlier in the year cannot be understated.

“Clarity for parents is paramount. It is fantastic to see the Minister being proactive on this, providing parents and children with that certainty and clarity going into the new school year. It also benefits schools, so they have adequate time to plan for the opening of their new special classes.

Concluding, Deputy McGreehan said:

“In 2026 alone, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with additional needs. This will include an increase of over 860 special education teacher and over 1,700 special needs assistant posts.

Deputy McGreehan added: “That will mean we will have almost 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools.

“Fianna Fáil is the party of education. We are wholly committed to supporting students with additional needs and today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment.

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

ENDS