Local TD Fiona O’Loughlin recently visited Rath National School to view the new purpose built ASD unit that is almost completed.
The new building incorporates two classrooms with associate classroom safe bases, a para-educational room, a multi-sensory room, an office, a storeroom, a central activities room and a specific ASD outdoor play area.
O’Loughlin spoke following the visit: “I recently met with Tommy Fitzgerald, Principal of Rath National School to visit the new ASD unit that has been built and to see the work still required.
“The Department of Education and Skills are refusing to fit out the state of the art rooms with the equipment required to open these units.
“This is completely wrong, meaning that the 12 pupils and their teachers and SNAs will not be able to move into the unit in two weeks when the building will be completed.
“As we all know, early intervention from qualified personnel for children with additional learning needs is vital.
“I have raised this directly with the Minister last week in the Dáil and sincerely hope we can resolve the matter urgently.”
SEE ALSO – One of Ireland’s most violent prisoners moves to Portlaoise Prison
