Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigallen National School, Bredagh, Co. Leitrim
 

Our Special Class Journey

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15th Jan 2026

The Special Class Journey

Our school began its Special Class journey in 2018 when Michael Donohue was Chairperson of the Board of Management. The school principal visited Ballyconnell Mixed N.S. and St. Patrick’s N.S. (Drumshanbo) to see their Special Classes (ASD) in operation. We are grateful to Mr. Terence Reynolds and Mrs Maureen O Keefe for their time and knowledge as we began our journey. Both principals were very forthcoming with advice and guidance. We are also grateful to our parents and school community who supported us as we opened our first Special Class (ASD).

 

The first class opened in the General Purpose (G.P.) Room with 4 pupils from our own school with Ms Dockery as the class teacher. Approval was granted by the Department of Education for the first modular building (80m2) from CabinPac which is now located at the front of the school. Maguire Architects, JAS Construction and CabinPac were appointed to carry out the necessary works.

 

Sanction for a second class was granted during the Covid-19 Lockdown and opened in February 2021. A second modular building (Classroom, toilets and SET Room) and 22.5m2 toilet extension for the external building was approved by the Department of Education. Maguire Architects, JAS Construction and Portakabin® modular buildings were appointed to carry out the works. Works were completed in late 2021. We acknowledge the Murray family who kindly leased a portion of their field to accommodate this modular building.

 

 

The school were approached by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to open the first Early Intervention Preschool Special Class (ASD) in County Leitrim. The Board of Management and staff agreed to this request. This class was quickly followed by another mainstream Special Class (ASD) being sanctioned. Permanent modular accommodation was approved for Scoil Mhuire Naofa in 2022 and was superseded in 2023 to accommodate the growing needs of the school. Maguire Architects, JAS Construction and Arch-I Modular were appointed to carry out the construction of a 200m2 modular building. Work was completed in early 2024.

 

In the meantime one additional Mainstream Special Class was opened by the Board of Management bringing our total provision to 1 Early Intervention Class and 4 Mainstream Special Classes.