TWO schools in the Bandon area have been sanctioned for additional special classes for the 2026/2027 school year, writes Sally Collins.

Laragh NS in Bandon and Ballyheada NS, Ballinhassig have both been included in the latest round of funding for additional classes.

Welcoming the announcement, Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan has said that the allocation today will allow both schools to better facilitate and support their pupils.

‘The allocation of special classes is really important for so many schools across West Cork. This is particularly true in rural areas where parents are currently travelling long distances because their local school does not have the ability to meet the needs of their children.’

Senator O’Donovan said that he is working with a number of West Cork schools to secure funding for special classes.

He concluded that he ‘is determined to continue to engage with Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton to emphasise the need for special schools in West Cork. I am hopeful to see the next tranche of classes to be allocated in the upcoming weeks’.