Local schools to get vital upgrades as funding approved for additional accommodation works

SCHOOLS across Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Clondalkin, Lucan and Inchicore will see upgrades as they have been approved for a variety of additional accommodation works.

Additional accommodation needs such as extra classrooms, accessible toilets and sensory rooms to make the schools more accessible for those who may have extra needs and to cater for the number of pupils enrolled at the school have been approved.

The schools approved under The Additional Accommodation Scheme and Emergency Works Approval Scheme in the last ten months from January to September was announced by the department on Friday, September 10.

In Tallaght, St Kevin’s Boys National School received approval to build one autism spectrum disorder (ASD) unit at the school.

Scoil Mhuire in Ballyboden received approval for works to create an ASD class at the school and Presentation Community College in Terenure received approval for two general classrooms, one special education needs (SEN) base and an art room.

St Kevin’s Boys Kilnamanagh

In Inchicore, Our Lady of Lourdes National School were approved for the conversion of two existing classrooms to create one class SEN Base including safe space, accessible toilet and a multi-sensory room. Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal were approved for four mainstream classrooms, three special education teacher (SET) rooms, two classroom SEN bases and ancillary.

Scoil Naomh Seosamh in Clondalkin also received approval for one SEN base through the scheme.

As part of the scheme, if additional accommodation is likely to be needed for less than three years, a school may be given approval to rent temporary accommodation and if additional accommodation is likely to be needed for more than three years, a school may be given grant aid with the option to purchase a prefabricated structure, or to construct a permanent classroom.