'The Dream is Becoming a Reality' - Tánaiste Turns the Sod on Long-Awaited St Catherine’s Special School in Kilcoole

Work has begun on the new St Catherine’s Special School in Kilcoole, with Tánaiste Simon Harris turning the sod on the long-awaited 5.2-acre development.

Work has officially begun on the new St Catherine’s Special School in Kilcoole, with Tánaiste Simon Harris turning the first sod on Monday morning - a moment families, staff and campaigners have been pushing towards for years.

The 5.2 acre development, located on Kilcoole Road, will finally deliver a purpose-built, modern school for almost 100 students with profound and moderate intellectual disabilities and autism, marking one of the most significant education investments North Wicklow in recent years.

Speaking to East Coast FM News at the site, the Tánaiste said, "St. Catherine's Special School has always had a really special place in all of our hearts and has been an amazing school, but it has been in completely inadequate facilities."

"Today we have turned the sod, the dream is becoming a reality. This is going to be a real hub of inclusivity in our county and congratulations to everyone who has made this happen," he said, paying tribute to the families, staff and St Catherine’s Association who kept the pressure on through years of delays.

Sod Turned at site of the new St. Catherine's Facility in Kilcoole

The school currently operates out of Killmullen Lane in Newcastle, in which 10 classes are based, while 5 further classes operate out of the admin section of Newcastle Hospital.

The patron body is also planning an Adult Day Centre, respite facility and learning centre on the adjoining site - a move that will expand St Catherine’s footprint as a full-lifecycle support service for people with disabilities, with the works expected to be completed in 2027.

St. Catherine's Principal Clare Carr welcomed the new development saying, "It is amazing, it is like a dream come true. It has been a long time coming."

She further explained the conditions that the school has been operating in. "The school has been running in dilapidated, small rooms, leaky rooms, narrow corridors but today is the start of something new and wonderful. It will make everybody's lives so much easier."

Monday’s ceremony drew a strong turnout from across North Wicklow, including parents, school leaders, local businesses, community representatives and public figures.

Councillor Tom Fortune echoed the opinions of the Tánaiste and Principal Carr, saying "This is a massive day for St. Catherine's, who do a fabulous job for their clients. It has been a long time coming, but it is here and that is all that matters."

Parent Gillian Pitt praised the work that St. Catherine's has done for her son, while also welcoming the new development.

"This is his happy place, with people who see such potential and treat him with such love and care. It is amazing for us to know that we are going to keep that same level of support and teaching, love and care, but in facilities that are actually suitable, and really what these children deserve."