A Monaghan mother whose son has complex needs is asking local voters to keep the need for a special school in the county an "election issue". Monaghan and Leitrim are the only two counties in Ireland without their own school for children with complex needs like autism.
Last month, following months of campaigning by parents and local politicians from across the political spectrum, the Minister for Special Education Hildegaarde Naughton announced the provision of a special community for here. The Minister said it would be open in time for the 2025-26 academic year. That announcement was to be followed up with another about the location of the new school but, to date parents are none the wiser.
Forward planning is essential to families like hers so knowing the timeline on delivery of the Monaghan school is paramount. Now, Kathleen Maguire, whose 11-year-old son is awaiting a special school place says she hopes the promises made in the lead up to a general election are not empty ones. She is asking voters to seek definite answers on the doorsteps:
