Naas Special School Delay - 12 Children Promised A Place Still Not In Class

Friday, 7 November 2025 at 16:48

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

The offers were made back in spring, and families turned down other school places because they were told this one was secured.

Frustration is rising among parents in Naas, where twelve children who were told they’d have places at new modular classrooms at Craddockstown Special School have yet to begin classes.

The offers were made back in spring, and families turned down other school places because they were told this one was secured.

But it’s now November - and the children are still at home.

Planning permission for the new modular units was only lodged in October, and parents are now being told the earliest possible start is December or January.

In the meantime, some children have been offered two hours of education per day in another school, but parents say the arrangement is difficult to manage and is disrupting work and family routines.

The issue was raised by Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who called on the Department of Education and the Kildare and Wicklow ETB to explain what’s causing the delay.

"Twelve pupils were offered a place to begin in August this year back in March or April of this year and they turned down other places that were not as appropriate as a special school place. It is November and they have not been able to start. It seems the planning application for that site was only submitted in October this year. There is real confusion among parents regarding this site," Deputy Farrelly said.

Responding, Minister Helen McEntee said she is aware of the situation and that officials are working with parents and the school.

She said the aim is to make sure the children get into classrooms as soon as possible, and she will follow up on the matter.