Approval has been given for the construction of a new Ábalta Special School in Galway City.
The new Ábalta Special School will provide accommodation to expand the school to cater for a total of 26 classes.
The special school, which currently operates from accommodation at Parkmore East Business Park, Galway, will form part of a campus project with Galway Educate Together Secondary School to be constructed at a site at Gauraun South, Oranmore.
Oranmore native and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD said, “I’m pleased that we are in a position today to announce approval for a new permanent school building for Ábalta Special School.”
“This marks a significant step forward for the pupils, families and school community who will benefit for many years to come.”
Budget 2024 dedicates in excess of €2.7 billion to providing supports for children with special educational needs. Today is a resounding demonstration of the difference that funding is making.”
The Department of Education has appointed a Project Manager for the project, which is part of a bundle of projects included on the ADAPT Programme.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said, “The expansion of Ábalta Special School will enable it to provide an excellent teaching and learning environment and [a] much broader range of opportunities to many more pupils and their families.”
“This is a further sign of this government’s commitment to delivering an education system that is inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone.”
