The Irish government has published a report setting out plans to overhaul special education provision across the Dublin 15 area.
Irish Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan have released the report of the ‘Taskforce to support forward planning of special education in the Dublin 15 area’.
It sets out action already taken to address barriers and challenges experienced by families of children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and the teaching staff delivering services as well as recommending further improvements moving forward.
And it is expected that the approach will be rolled out across other areas of the country in due course.
To support the forward-planning work of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the taskforce was set up in October 2024 to look at future special education needs in the Dublin 15 area.
Its membership brought together a broad range of perspectives, including parents, school representatives and officials from the NCSE, the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The report sets out 21 key recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges facing children with special educational needs in Dublin 15, while also informing policy and forward planning for special education provision more broadly.
Naughton said: “This report provides a strong, evidence‑based framework to support more effective forward planning for special education in Dublin 15. It reflects the meaningful collaboration between parents, schools and partner agencies and the shared commitment for improving outcomes for children and families.
“The insight, experience and dedication of parents and school leaders have been central in shaping both the report and its recommendations and I want to sincerely thank all members of the Taskforce for their time, expertise and constructive engagement throughout this process.
“The taskforce’s work offers valuable learning that can help inform national policy, supporting a more-consistent, joined‑up and forward‑looking approach to special education provision across the country.”
Moynihan added: “The taskforce’s recommendations have helped, and will continue to guide, real, practical improvements in special education provision, building on progress already underway to better meet the needs of children and families in the area.
“While rooted in the needs of Dublin 15, this report has clear national relevance and will help inform how we plan and deliver special education more strategically across the country.”
Progress already made includes the establishment of a new Education Therapy Service, increased capitation funding for special schools, substantial capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) to support special education provision and ongoing work to develop and expand the pilot common application system for admission to schools.
In the Dublin 15 area, the NCSE has already sanctioned 12 new special classes for the 2026/27 school year. This will increase the number of special classes in mainstream schools in the Dublin 15 area to 94, up from 33 in 2020 and reflecting significant growth in local capacity. Further new special classes are expected to be confirmed shortly.
Work is also progressing to identify opportunities to expand capacity at Danu Community Special School, enabling the enrolment of additional pupils.
Lucan Community Special School, in a neighbouring school planning area, opened for the current school year and is one of six new special schools established in Co Dublin in recent years. This special school will also increase its capacity for the coming school year strengthening special education provision in the wider area.
Furthermore, two of the four new special schools recently announced will be established in Co Dublin for the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will continue to advise parents at local level regarding these developments.
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