News of 15 new ASD classes in Louth welcomed

The news that Louth is to get 15 additional ASD (special classes) has been welcomed by Deputy Erin McGreehan. Eleven are for primary schools, the other four for post-primary.

The eleven primary schools are:

• Ballapousta NS, Ardee
• Callystown NS, Drogheda – two classes
• St Oliver Plunkett NS, Blackrock
• De La Salle Primary, Dundalk
• St Peter's NS, Dundalk
• St Kevin's NS Philipstown, Dunleer
• Rampark NS, Bush – two classes
• Scoil Eoin Baiste, Dundalk
• St Brigid's and St Patrick's, Drogheda

The four post primary schools are:

• Our Lady's College, Drogheda
• St Louis Secondary School, Dundalk
• Bush Post Primary School, Bush
• St Oliver's Community College, Drogheda

In a statement, Deputy McGreehan says she has had many parents contacting her in recent times, particularly in relating to second level schools.

“They were at their wits’ end, afraid their children will not have a school place come September. I raised the issue with Minister of State for Education, Michael Moynahin, in the Dáil, asking for an update regarding ASD classes.

“He stated that there are 98 ASD classes In Louth, 75 at primary and 23 at post-primary levels. I felt that there was clear inequality, that the focus should be ensuring there are places for the children on their transition from primary to secondary school.

“I pointed out that there are only six ASD classes at second level in Dundalk, and with a population of over 40,000, this was no sufficient for a town of its size.”

Deputy McGreehan says she has been told 400 new classes are to be allocated throughout the country for September of this year. “Fifteen are to come to Louth, and while I am happy with that, I will continue to engage with parents and the Department to try to have more allocated to the county. They are badly needed.”