merrion street

The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan TD today (Wednesday 16 February) officially opened Our Lady of Hope Special School in Crumlin. The school first opened its doors to students for the start of the 2021/2022 school year to meet rising demand for special school places in the area.

The schools currently caters for 36 pupils with autism and general learning disabilities, many of whom were in mainstream schools or receiving education under the home tuition scheme. The enrolment is due to increase by a further 12 places to a total of 48 for the 2022/2023 school year, following completion of building works.

The school currently has five class teachers and twelve special needs assistants.

The Ministers met with school principal Sr Edel Murphy, Mons Dan O’Connor and Archbishop Dermot Farrell during the official opening and blessing of the school.

Minister Foley said: “I am delighted to be able to attend this significant occasion for Our Lady of Hope Special School along with Archbishop Dermot Farrell.

“Special schools play an important role in our education system and I want to wish every success to Sr Edel Murphy and all her staff and pupils on this special day for the school.”

Minister Madigan said: “I want to thank all of the staff, the patron, the parents, the board of management, and the entire school community for their tireless dedication and commitment in founding this new special school, one of the first new special schools established in Ireland in many years. Our Lady of Good Hope came about thanks to the efforts of the whole school community.

“This school is one of two new special schools that opened their doors in Ireland last September. We now have 126 special schools across the country. The fact that this number is once again growing demonstrates our commitment to special education and to the fact that the all students should have access to an education appropriate to their needs. Special schools continue to play a vital role in our education system and will continue to do so. My commitment to them is unwavering.

“The expanding enrolment of this school shows that there is demand in Crumlin and the surrounding areas for education in our special schools and we will strive to continue to meet this demand. I am confident that the school will become an important part of the community here into the future.”

ENDS