St Catherine’s Funding In Limbo Since 2022

Waiting for O’Callaghan… St Catherine’s Special School

atest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Wednesday, June 4th 2025…

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has called on the Government to immediately release the €16 million in Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) funding promised to Kilcoole’s St Catherine’s Association (patron of St Catherine’s Special School), which supports children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“St Catherine’s has done everything asked of them. They’ve jumped through every hoop, submitted every document, and waited patiently. This project has been ready for years, it just needs to be signed off on,” Deputy Whitmore said.

“There are vital facilities for some of the most vulnerable people in our community waiting on this funding – an adult day centre, a respite centre, and an administration hub. The delay is not just frustrating, it’s deeply unfair,” Deputy Whitmore explained.

“Only €400,000 of the €16 million has been released so far. That’s not good enough. The rest of the funding is sitting in limbo while families and staff continue to wait,” Deputy Whitmore continued.

“I’ve spoken with Brendan Whelan, Chair of St Catherine’s, and it’s clear that the organisation has done everything right. The only thing missing is political will,” Deputy Whitmore added. “This is public money, already committed. There is no excuse for the Department of Justice to continue dragging its feet.”

“I’m calling on the Minister to intervene immediately, confirm the full release of the €16 million, and ensure that this long-overdue project can finally move forward,” Deputy Whitmore concluded.

You can check out St Catherine Special School’s recent 50th celebrations right here, and explore their history here.