Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the approval of new special classes for schools in Galway East, with Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha Tuam and High Cross College, Tuam each approved for one new special class for the 2026/27 school year.
The approvals form part of the Department of Education’s latest tranche of special class sanctions, aimed at increasing capacity and ensuring children with special educational needs can access appropriate supports within their own communities. The 50 classes announced nationally today brings the overall number of new class sanctions for 2026/27 to 351.
Welcoming the decision, Minister Canney said the additional capacity at both post-primary and primary level will be of significant benefit to families in those areas.
“The approval of special classes at Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Tuam and Holy Cross College, Tuam is very welcome. These decisions will help ensure that children with additional needs can attend school locally and receive the supports they need, close to home,” Minister Canney said.
He added that early planning and continued engagement with schools and the Department of Education remains essential to meeting growing demand.
“I will continue to work closely with school communities, parents and the Department to ensure that capacity keeps pace with need and that further requirements are identified and addressed at the earliest possible stage,” he said.
Full List of Galway Schools included in new special class sanctions for 2026/27 (Department of Education – Tranche 4):
- Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Tuam – Primary – 1 special class
- Holy Cross College, Tuam – Post-Primary – 1 special class
- Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Oranmore – Primary – 1 special class
