News
Devastating blow for schools set to lose vital SNA posts
It was confirmed this week that Glenflesk and Fossa National Schools will see their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts reduced this year, raising concerns about the impact on support for students with additional needs.
The decision was made following a review by the National Council for Special Education.
It has raised alarm among local families and children in the schools.
SNAs are a vital source of support for children with additional needs, and they are essential for learning development.
A parent at Glenflesk National School has expressed his disappointment at the decision saying: “How we support children with additional needs reflects on us as a society. It shows whether we value inclusion, fairness, and the potential of every child.”
His son, who is known throughout the community for his warmth, affection, and joyful personality ‘has flourished with the help of his SNA’.
With consistent assistance, he has grown in confidence, engaged more meaningfully in classroom activities, and made learning progress that once felt unreachable. His parents describe his development as “leaps and bounds,” all thanks to the patient guidance and support of his SNA.
Both schools are very disappointed with the news and are currently engaging in the appeals process.
They are hopeful for a positive outcome as great progress has been made in special education over the last 25 years and it’s important to them keep the progression moving forward.
Removing that support has sparked a fear in families, without the support of SNAs, children risk regression rather than progress.
Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady wrote to the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion opposing the decision.
In response, the office said NCSE reviews are a very detailed examination of the care needs in all settings. Where it identifies a decrease in the level of care need in a school and where this decrease is significant, it results in a reduction in the SNA allocation to that school.
Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly slammed the decision and raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday.
He said it is irresponsible of the Minister to think just two staff members can sustainably support 236 pupils in mainstream education while the six existing SNAs are already stretched.
He said: “SNAs play a pivotal role in children’s education. Many children will not be able to meaningfully integrate into the classroom and wider school environment without their support. They will also be prevented from reaching their full potential.”
Budget 2026 announced an additional 1717 special needs assistant posts which was to increase the number of posts to 24900. The redeployment scheme was set up and put in place to ensure job security.
Deputy Daly said the SNAs who contacted him have not received any clarity or support from any department, adding it is taking a serious toll on all involved, mentally, physically and financially.
He stated: “If special needs education is the priority this government claims it is, then these cuts must be reversed, and these four posts must not be removed.
Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School
St Oliver’s National School in Ballycasheen is set to undergo a significant expansion following confirmation that the Department of Education has granted approval for the project to proceed to construction.
The building project, funded under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, will deliver a substantial extension to the existing school facilities. The development includes the provision of three new mainstream classrooms, seven Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms, and three Special Educational Needs (SEN) bases.
The expansion is designed to meet the growing educational needs of the Killarney area while enhancing the school’s capacity to provide inclusive support for all students.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill welcomed the progress, noting that the inclusion of dedicated SET and SEN spaces is vital for a modern learning environment.
“I am delighted to see this project at St Oliver’s National School progressing to the construction stage,” he said. “This is a very significant development that will greatly enhance the school’s capacity. I want to commend the school management, the Principal Colm Ó Suilleabháin, the staff, parents, and Board of Management for their continued engagement and dedication in advancing this project.”
The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.
Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.
Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event
The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.
Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.
Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School
Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School St Oliver’s National School in Ballycasheen is set to undergo a significant...
Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event
The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that...
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