State is failing children with special needs

Community still waiting for promised school

Sir, – A new secondary school has been proposed by the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board for the west Cavan area.

Excellent news, as west Cavan is currently served by two schools which are old and outdated as educational facilities. A modern second-level learning centre with sports, science and technology and special education facilities is exactly what is needed and is most welcome.

However, the school announcement was made three years ago and as of yet there is no sign of any advancement of the plan.

Currently children with special needs have no second-level facility in west Cavan and on leaving national school must travel outside their catchment area to advance their education.

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This means they must separate from friends with whom they have spent their formative years.

That is not good for children with special needs.

I would appeal to the Minister to not let this drag on and shine a light on the educational future of all the children of west Cavan. – Yours, etc,

DONAL CARLIN,

Ballyconnell,

Co Cavan.