Waterford school receives some 'incredibly positive news' following hard-fought campaign

The sanctioning of two new modular classrooms for St John’s Special School in Dungarvan, has been welcomed by stakeholders who have been campaigning for several months.

One of those is Waterford TD and Minister-of-State John Cummins who has met with parents who have fought hard to secure two modular classes.

Deputy Cummins says he has held several meetings with Education Minister Helen McEntee, in an effort to progress the matter.

As a result of these negotiations and dialogue between school management, Department officials, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the patron and a sustained campaign by parents, the two desperately-needed modular classrooms  have now been secured.

Mr Cummins, who has described the announcement as incredibly positive and a “welcome move which will come as a huge relief to many families.”

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He said: “I know the significance of what this means to many Waterford parents who have spent months campaigning to ensure their child gets access to a special class and I want to commend and thank them for always engaging with me in a constructive and respectful fashion. Every child deserves an education tailored to their abilities in an environment where they receive the support, understanding and opportunities to thrive both academically and personally."

The Waterford native liaised with the NCSE, bringing forward options to facilitate two modular classrooms which were taken on board. It is understood that one modular classroom will be facilitated on the existing St John’s Special School site, while the second will be on adjoining land.

Mr Cummins added, “I want to thank Minister McEntee most sincerely for her determination to ensure that two modular classrooms could be facilitated at St John’s Special School to meet the demand for places. Her unwavering support to find a solution has been heartening."

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The Fine Gael TD has also acknowledged the efforts of Principal Aoife O’Neill, the board of management and the patron for facilitating the opening of two modular classrooms at St John’s Special School.

"Their commitment to the educational needs of the local community is to be commended and I look forward to assisting the school with their vital work going forward," he concluded. 

The sanctioning of the additional special classes for St John’s brings to 16 the number of special classes that have been sanctioned for Waterford for the School year 2025/26.