Harris Opens St Brigid’s New Special Class

Harris and Principal Emma Uí Shúilleabháin MON8DEC25

atest press release from Tánaiste Simon Harris, issued on Monday, December 8th 2025…

Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris today officially opened a new special class for autistic pupils at St. Brigid’s National School in Greystones.

In February of this year the Tánaiste announced that 5 new special classes had been confirmed for the 2025/2026 school year in County Wicklow, including 3 in his hometown of Greystones, and today confirmed “we are now moving from promise to delivery”.

Speaking today Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “Today we are not simply opening a new classroom, we are opening doors to opportunity, to belonging and to the full participation of every child in our education system.

“This opening marks a new chapter for St. Brigid’s, a school already renowned for its Amber Flag and Green School achievements.

“I want to pay tribute to the local team who made the project a reality, including Principal Emma Uí Shúilleabháin, Board Chairperson Tom Sherlock and the local contractor Paul Noble, who have been laser-focussed in bringing this project to fruition.

“I want to also say a special word of thanks to the dedicated staff who will be working directly with the children, specifically class teacher Leisha Mc Gerr and SNAs Anne and Sharleen.

“This is a community effort and shows what can be achieved when we come together and deliver a better future for our children.

“Today, as we open this new special class, we celebrate the fact that this school is richer, kinder and stronger because of the wonderful diversity of minds within it.”

The new classroom has been designed to reduce anxiety, support communication and offer a calm, resource-rich environment where autistic pupils can grow confidently.

The Tánaiste added that as part of a wider commitment to inclusion across Ireland’s schools and higher-education institutions he had previously supported expansion of special-education resources and sensory facilities for neurodivergent learners within his home county and hopes this opening will give the momentum needed in Wicklow to deliver for children with autism.

The Tánaiste concluded: “This new special class at St. Brigid’s marks an important milestone for the Greystones school community and a tangible step toward greater equity and opportunity for children with autism across Wicklow.

“I hope that the children in this new classroom will have the opportunities to add to their strengths and that their parents see them progress rather than regress.”