New Special School For Bray Announced

Hair apparent Simon Harris and Hildegarde Naughton…

atest press release from Simon Harris, issued on Tuesday, April 7th 2026…

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD has today announced a new special school in Bray, Co. Wicklow, for the 2026/2027 school year.

He said this development is “a significant milestone for families of children with additional needs in Bray”.

The new special school, which will be established through the repurposing of an existing school building, will provide places for children and young people with complex special educational needs up to 18 years of age. The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin will act as the patron body for the school.

Speaking following the announcement, Tánaiste Harris said: “This is a day that will mean the world to so many Wicklow families.

“As a Wicklow TD, I know very well that many families have been asking for this especially in light of the growing population in County Wicklow.

“I have been working closely with Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael councillors across the county to highlight the urgent need for more special education places, particularly in North Wicklow and the Bray area. Today’s announcement is a direct result of that work at both the local and Government level.

“Every child deserves to reach their full potential and therefore deserves access to an appropriate school place where they can learn and progress. For too many families, securing a suitable placement for their child with additional needs has been a source of enormous stress and uncertainty.

“This new special school will make a real and tangible difference.

“I want to sincerely thank Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton for her continued commitment to expanding special education provision right across the country. The allocation of more than €3 billion under Budget 2026 for supports for children with special educational needs reflects the priority this Government places on inclusion.

“This builds on the progress we have already made in Wicklow, including new special classes sanctioned in schools across the county and continued progress and delivery across many schools.

“I will continue to work with my Fine Gael colleagues and local communities to ensure that Wicklow has the school places and supports that our children deserve.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of the NCSE and the Department of Education in identifying where need is greatest and acting on it. Planning for admissions, staffing and any necessary building works will begin immediately.”

The announcement is part of a broader Government initiative that has seen 20 new special schools established over the past six years, along with 387 new special classes sanctioned for the 2026/27 school year to date.