Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
147. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a progress report on a special education site in Glanmire County Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4809/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has agreement in principle to acquire the site in Glanmire and the Elected Members of Cork City Council have approved the disposal of the land. The Chief State Solicitor's Office, acting on behalf of my Department, is currently progressing the acquisition through the conveyancing stage.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.
The Deputy will be aware of the significant expansion of special school provision in Cork in recent years, and which includes the establishment of a new special school in Rochestown, Cork and increased capacity in other special schools. Cork Education and Training Board, as patron body, in conjunction with the NCSE and the Department of Education continue to advance planning for the opening of the new Rochestown Community Special School. The Department continues to consider strategic locations for special school provision, including the eastern side of Cork City, with a view to continuing the expansion of special school capacity as necessary.
