Parents “Left In The Dark” Over New Bray Special School – Brady

Sinn Féin TD John Brady has confirms the details for a new special school in bray which will be accommodated in a local existing school building, but operate independently, with its own structures and Board of Management

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has criticised what he describes as a lack of clear information around a newly announced special school for Bray, warning that families are being left under unnecessary pressure.

The issue was raised by Deputy Brady at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, where Department of Education officials provided further details on the planned facility.

It was confirmed the new school will be located at St Fergal's Primary School in Ballywaltrim.

The school will operate independently, with its own board of management and principal, and is expected to accommodate between 18 and 24 students in the 2026/27 academic year.

Despite welcoming the progress, Deputy Brady said the way information is being released is causing frustration among parents.

He told the committee:

“At the Public Accounts Committee, I raised serious concerns with officials from the Department of Education regarding the lack of detail surrounding the newly announced special school in Bray. The school was recently announced by government but without the basic information parents urgently need.”

The Wicklow TD said he has been contacted by a significant number of families seeking clarity on access to places.

“I’ve been inundated with queries from families asking how they can apply for places, reflecting the huge level of unmet need within County Wicklow.”

While additional details were confirmed during the committee meeting, he said key questions remain unanswered.

“Whilst this is extremely welcome, the drip feed of information is deeply frustrating for families already under extreme pressure. Parents still need clarity on timelines, admissions and how places will be allocated.”

Deputy Brady added that urgent action is needed to ensure children with additional needs are not left waiting.

“The department and the government must move quickly to address this because children with additional needs simply cannot be left waiting in limbo again.”

John Brady T.D. Sinn Féin