Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has today raised the lack of detail surrounding the recently announced new special school in Bray with Department of Education officials at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), describing the drip feed of information as deeply frustrating for parents.
Through Deputy Brady’s questioning, additional details were confirmed by the Department officials, including the planned location for the school and the number of students it will accommodate in the 26/27 academic year.
Teachta Brady said:
“This school was announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris with great fanfare but absolutely no detail.
“I was inundated with parents asking me how they could apply for a place for their child – demonstrating the absolute necessity for more special school places in Wicklow.
“The drip feeding of information in relation to this school has been deeply frustrating for families who are already under immense pressure.
“Thankfully, at today’s PAC meeting I was able to get some more information from Department officials.
“The new special school to be established in Bray will be located within St. Fergal’s Primary School, which is situated on the school’s road in Ballywaltrim in Bray, utilising what the Department has identified as available spare capacity within the existing building.
“The new school will operate entirely independently, with its own dedicated structures and Board of Management in place to oversee its governance and day-to-day running.
“The Department has also confirmed that this arrangement will not impact in any way on the operation, resources, or activities of St. Fergal’s Primary School.
“It is planned that the new school will accommodate between 18 and 24 students in the 2026/27 school year.
“Additionally, they will soon be advertising for the position of principal, and recruitment of teachers and other support staff will follow.
“While this new school and this new information is welcome, parents still need clarity on timelines, admissions processes and how places will be allocated.
“The Department must move quickly to provide this detail and ensure that families are not left in the dark.
“I will continue to press for transparency and urgency so that children with additional needs in Wicklow can access the education they deserve.”
ENDS