Community College plans approved to build ASD unit
By Aideen O'Flaherty
COLLINSTOWN Park Community College in Clondalkin has been granted planning permission for the development of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit.
Last January, the Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board put the project out to tender, stating that the project will comprise two additional separate classrooms for pupils with autism spectrum disorder.
Collinstown Community College will develop two additional classrooms for pupils with autism spectrum disorder
According to the project description on the eTenders website, the additional classes are intended to meet the needs of pupils with complex and severe educational needs arising from the diagnosis of ASD.
The additional classes are for all pupils who meet those criteria irrespective of cognitive ability, and the special classrooms for ASD will have a maximum of six pupils and will be staffed with 1.5 teaching posts and two special needs assistants per class.
The school submitted their application for planning permission to South Dublin County Council last March.
The proposal includes the development of a single-storey ASD unit extension to the rear of the existing school buildings.
The new accommodation will comprise a central activities space, two classrooms, toilets and shower area, two small ‘safe place’ areas, a multi-sensory room, a practical activity room, a daily living skills room, a staff toilet, storage and office space.
Provision of a single-storey enclosed link corridor and entrance lobby, with minor alterations to the existing building facade, is included. The council granted permission for the development on May 12.
