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More reading units needed to help children

July 14th, 2019 10:05 PM

By Southern Star Team

The units are vital for children with learning issues.

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With just one reading unit for the whole of Munster based in Cork city, councillors have called on the Department of Education to establish more units across the county, to give those with reading difficulties much needed help.

By Kieran O’Mahony

 

WITH just one reading unit for the whole of Munster based in Cork city, councillors have called on the Department of Education to establish more units across the county, to give those with reading difficulties much needed help.

These reading units are designed for children with dyslexia or with specific reading difficulties.

At his first Council meeting officiating as county mayor, Cllr Chris O’Sullivan raised a motion calling for a reading unit to be set up in West Cork. 

However, he had no objection to amending the motion to add on requests for such units in south, east and north cork. 

Cllr O’Sullivan said people in Clonakilty who avail of the service in the city (Mayfield) face a three-hour round trip and he called on the Department to at least look at the proposal. ‘There are children from further down West Cork who can’t avail of these reading units as it’s just too far away,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan, who added that Knockskeagh National School in Clonakilty has put in an application for a reading unit.

He added that it’s a vital service for children with reading difficulties and there should be units established countywide.

Cllr Declan Hurley (Ind) seconded the motion and said it was a well thought-out and that such a unit was badly needed in West Cork.

Cobh-based councillor Sinead Sheppard (FG) also supported the call but said that rather than specifically for West Cork, they should ask for reading units for north, south and east too.

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