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Swords’ rapid housing growth is being outpaced by transport, wastewater and community infrastructure, with calls for stronger co-ordination, while Government says major projects and funding are already under way to support sustainable development.
Bunclody Community College’s long-delayed redevelopment, still at stage 2b with most classrooms in prefabs and a split campus, drew calls for urgent action, but the Minister offered no timeline beyond ongoing review and future prioritisation.
Senator Scahill outlined the NCSE parents-notify portal, explaining the deadlines are meant to help plan special class places and budgets for 2027-28.
Senator O'Reilly backed Senator Harmon and described the crisis in assessments of need for families in Cavan and Monaghan, where a child was left waiting despite an early intervention preschool place.
Minister of State Michael Moynihan defended the new special needs assistant workforce development plan, noted Fórsa’s rejection, and said the Department remains committed to further constructive engagement rather than reversing the plan.
Officials outlined how inclusive education is being supported through rising numbers of special education teachers and SNAs, with further increases planned, alongside training from the Department, NCSE, NEPS and Oide. The main emphasis was on clearer roles, better induction and continuing professional learning, and more structured support for SNAs and teachers in mainstream, special class and special school settings. Members raised concerns about class size, assistive technology, NEPS capacity, the September parent-notify portal and how schools can meet growing needs without overreliance on individual staff. The Department and NCSE said the new inclusive education forum and revised workforce plans will be used to develop shared understanding and improve practice, while avoiding comment on live negotiations with Fórsa.