Opening the new autism classroom at St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, were, (from left), David Cullivan (architect), Senator Linda Nelson Murray, Tom Shannon (joint managerial body), Fr Gerry Stuart (school board chairperson), Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, Harry McGarry (principal), Seamus and Joanna McGarry (building contractor), Andrew O’Neill (architect), Noel Merrick (joint managerial body), John Kenny (deputy principal), Emma Craig (Special Education Needs officer), Clodagh Lawlor (parents council), Des Foley (board of management) and Sinead Bannon (deputy principal). Photo: David Mullen.

New classroom for students with autism opens at St Pat’s CS

John Donohoe

Published: Fri 5 Sep 2025, 4:35 PM

St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, marked a historic milestone on Friday 22nd August, with the official opening of its new special classroom for students with autism. Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, joined staff, parents and students to celebrate the occasion, which principal Harry McGarry described as “a truly exciting and transformative day in the life of our school.”

The new facility includes a sensory room, sensory-friendly outdoor space, universal access toilet and shower facilities, and custom-built workstations. Acoustic and sensory features have also been installed to create a calm, supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of students with autism.

Mr McGarry paid tribute to the many individuals who contributed to the project, including school building projects advisors, Noel Merrick and Tom Shannon; architects, David Cullivan and Andrew O’Neill; contractor, Seamie McGarry, and SENO, Emma Craig.

“This could not have happened without the generosity, expertise, and goodwill of so many people,” said Mr McGarry.

“To our staff, I say thank you. Your professionalism and openness are the foundation on which this class will succeed.”

The classroom is the first step in a wider development for the school. In 2024, St Patrick’s CS secured nearly €6.9 million under the Department of Education’s Additional Accommodation Scheme to construct six new special classrooms, alongside funding for furniture and ICT equipment.

Mr McGarry thanked Minister McEntee for securing an investment that will change thousands of lives.

“Here in St Patrick’s, this new Special Classroom will change six lives directly — and it will enrich the lives of every student who learns alongside them. That is the power of inclusive education.”

Minister McEntee officially opened the classroom, praising the school’s commitment to inclusivity and the broader national plan to expand special education provision.