Special Needs classrooms get green light in Ratoath after project initially stalled

Parents of children with special needs in south Meath are relieved this week at the news that the proposed Special Needs classrooms at Ratoath Junior National School can proceed.

They had been dealt a massive blow last week when it was announced the project had been put on hold "due to funding concerns."

The new facilities at Ratoath were among 58 building projects which had been stalled by the Department of Education, which also included O'Carolan College, Nobber and Enfield Community College.

The School's Board of management was informed by telephone on 13th March that the process had been stalled, causing a furious reaction from local representatives.

Meath Co Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Nick Killian confronted Education Minister, Norma Foley on the issue while in New York last week and the news was condemned by Deputy Darren O'Rourke and Cllr Damien O'Reilly.

However, yesterday (Monday) the Board issued a statement in which they said: "The Board of Management is delighted to advise you that it has been informed by the Department of Education that the Department is now in a position to approve the project to proceed to tender for the purposes of constructing the special classes.

"The architect has been informed and is currently proceeding with this stage of the project. The Board of Management will continue to liaise with the Department of Education in order to progress this project in the earliest possible time frame."

The statement pointed out that the Board had been very disappointed that the establishment of the two special classes had been put on hold by the Department of Education.

"The Board of Management has maintained close contact with the Department of Education in relation to this important matter."

The project brief is to provide a two-classroom special educational needs base through the reconfiguration of three existing mainstream classrooms.

The school submitted formal acceptance of the offer for reconfiguration works on 22 August 2022 and an official approval letter, advising the school of the funding allocated to reconfigure the three classrooms to meet the needs, and to provide a two-classroom special education needs base, was issued by the Department of Education on 2nd September, 2022.

Cllr Nick Killian was extremely annoyed at the delay. He had been in New York for the St Patrick's Day festivities when he heard the news of the delay. "I was extremely angry. This facility is so badly needed and there have been too many delays. I made sure I met Minister Norma Foley and raised the issue with her," he said.

"I am delighted the project can now go ahead. I am particularly delighted for the parents and children - they are the most important people in all of this. They deserve an education in their own community.

"I hope now the project will proceed speedily to ensure the accommodation is fully ready for next September," he said.

Deputy Darren O'Rourke said it was welcome news that the project now had the go ahead to proceed. He had expressed his anger at last week's announcement, saying it was scandalous, deeply regrettable and disappointing.

“Special classes are desperately needed in Ratoath. There is a huge shortage and these classrooms are needed for September at the latest. Any delays are unacceptable."

Deputy O’Rourke had said it was a scandalous situation that the Ratoath projects and other school projects were being delayed because of funding constraints.

"We have a 10-year National Development Plan and we are only 18 months into it and this happens - it is mismanagement of the highest order," he said.

Cllr Damien O’Reilly said the two additional educational classrooms are needed for September 2023. "Parents cannot take any more delays in the area. It is a child's constitutional right to education, as close to their homes as possible."

"I welcome the fact that there is finally some movement after two to three years of lost time when we should have embraced special education in Ratoath. Parents are desperately looking for special needs places and 11 schools across south Meath who have these facilities are full," he said.