Cork North West Fine Gael Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has warmly welcomed the sanctioning of a first tranche of new special classes for schools across Cork, describing the announcement as a very positive step for children with additional educational needs and their families.
Ballyhass National School has been included among the schools in Cork North West to benefit from the new classes. The Department of Education has confirmed the approval of 168 new special classes nationally, across 159 schools, with a significant number allocated to schools in Cork. Schools were notified today, with further special class sanctions expected in the coming weeks.
Deputy O’Shea said the new classes “will make a real difference on the ground. This is very welcome news for parents, students, and school communities right across Cork. These additional special classes will provide vital supports for children with additional needs, while also giving families reassurance that appropriate educational placements are being planned and delivered locally.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Tony O’Shea welcomed the planned construction of new pedestrian crossings in Buttevant, including a long-awaited crossing outside Dohertys Centra and upgrades at Buttevant National School.
Councillor O’Shea said: “The installation of a crossing outside Centra is particularly welcome. This is a busy location used daily by school-going children, families, older people, shoppers, and visitors, and this crossing will make a real difference to safety and accessibility in the heart of the town. Improvements at the National School crossing are also hugely important, helping to ensure safer journeys for children, parents, and school staff.”
He added: “I look forward to seeing these projects progress and, in particular, to seeing the Centra pedestrian crossing constructed during 2026. These are practical, positive measures that will benefit the whole community.”
