A local TD has called for the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Michael Moynihan to provide a permanent site for the special school in Co. Monaghan.
Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy raised the issue with the Minister of State in the Dáil this morning (March 4th).
He noted the opening of the interim school in Co. Monaghan last September, as well as the modular extension.
Deputy Carthy said that due to increasing demands and capacity issues, the process to deliver a permanent special school needs to begin now.
He called for a "green-field site" to deliver a permanent school.
Deputy Carthy said: "What's needed minister is a bit of forethought. The current site is perfect for the kids who are there now, they have the special education that they need. It will allow for some expansion, but it will not allow for the type of expansion that we know is coming into the future.
"I am hoping that you will outline a vision to deliver a special school on a site that has the capacity to deal with future demands," he added.
In his response, the Minister of State outlined that the current site for the interim build was an old CMETB site.
He said is department will continue to monitor the needs and requirements of children who require the use of a special school.
"The site in question was a former ETB building that was repurposed to get into use in as fast a time as possible for the 18 children," Minister of State Moynihan said.
"I know that some of the children are originally from way longer distances, and I have engaged with some of the families. I am keeping under review the needs and requirements, particularly on special ed," the Minister of State added.
