Special school opens in Tuam – with immediate demand for more space
The official opening of a special school in Tuam came with an immediate request to the Minister cutting the ribbon – give us more land to make it even bigger.
Because Ability West told Junior Education Minister Michael Moynihan that St. Oliver's Special School in Tuam was already at capacity, going from five pupils four years ago to today's roll of 40.
The new St. Oliver’s Special school building was opened in 2021, with a junior wing providing the Primary Curriculum and a senior wing delivering the Post-Primary Curriculum.
The entire building project cost in the region of €5 million; the original Official Opening was postponed because of Covid.
St. Oliver’s officially became a Department of Education school in 2008, having previously operated for many years as an Ability West Child Education and Development Centre.
Ability West remains the school’s Patron and continues to support its work in many important ways, including providing nursing care for pupils.
And Ability West chairperson Julie Silke Daly told the Minister that more land was needed – with the suggestion that part of the Toghermore Campus could be used to meet the ever-increasing demand.
“For next year, it is projected that with the numbers requiring places at the school, we will need another two classrooms, so it would be great if the Minister and his Department can support our efforts in this regard,” she said.
The school caters for pupils, aged four to 18, with learning disability or Autism or Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, and last week’s official opening by Minister Moynihan was attended by a crowd of 150 including TDs, Senators and Councillors.
Minister Moynihan described St Oliver’s Special School as a wonderful school with superb staff at all levels.
“This isn't just a building but a place that ensures that every child, regardless of their needs, have a place where they can learn, grow, and develop at their own pace,” he said.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Minister Michael Moynihan, Senator Anne Rabbitte, Deputies Albert Dolan, Peter Roche and Louis O’Hara.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Minister Moynihan, and the school was blessed by Fr. Pat Farragher.
Minister Moynihan also visited Esker National School – as well as St Raphael's and St Brigid's in Loughrea and Seamount College, Kinvara – as part of his day-long visit to Galway.
Pictured: Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan cut the tape to officially open St. Oliver’s Special School, Tuam, with (from left) Dermot McCabe of SJK Architects, Geraldine Canney, Deputy Louis O'Hara, Senator Anne Rabbitte, Cllr. Ollie Turner, Acting principal Bernie Creaven, Deputy Albert Dolan, Senator Shane Curley, Minister Moynihan, Joseph Renjith, Julie Silke Daly, CEO of Ability West and Patron of St. Oliver’s, Cllr. Karey McHugh, Cllr. Mary Hoade and Deputy Pete Roche.