Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) will hold a special meeting on the future of Monaghan Community Special School, including whether a new purpose-built school should be built at a different location, the Anglo-Celt reported on Tuesday, 27 October.
Chief executive Dr Fiona McGrath told the board's most recent meeting that she would convene members to discuss three things: the current school building, options for more classroom accommodation on the current site, and the prospect of building a completely new school somewhere else.
Where things stand
The county's first school for children with special needs opened in October 2025 at an interim site, the old technical school on the Dublin Road in Castleblayney, with CMETB as patron. The Anglo-Celt said the current intake is 18 pupils in one junior and two senior classrooms, with high demand and a waiting list.
The Department of Education and Youth is working on a design proposal for modular accommodation at the site. At CMETB's first meeting of the academic year, the board was told the project has approval to proceed to tender and construction in 2026/27 under the National Development Plan, the Anglo-Celt reported on 23 October.
Northern Sound reported earlier that, in a letter to the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee shared by Cathy Bennett TD, the Department said it regards the Castleblayney building as the school's permanent location. It said repurposing the building cost about €3 million and that, subject to planning, the modular accommodation is targeted to offer extra places for the 2027/28 school year.
Concerns at the board
Director of Schools Paddy Flood said he had expected proposals from the Department by now and that without them the ETB would have no document to work from at a meeting. Joe McGrath, representing the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, described the slope up to the school from the busy Dublin Road as "not suitable".
Board member Peter McVitty asked whether parents had been consulted. Teacher representative Michelle Flynn said: "At the moment they're just delighted to have the school." Mr McVitty replied: "I know, but what happens when the numbers go to 54?"
Chair Cllr Clifford Kelly said it was good that the board would soon meet to discuss all options. No date has been set; members were told they will be notified.
