Dublin Protest Highlights Urgent Need for Special Needs School Places

Hundreds of people protested in Dublin city center on June 7th, 2025, to raise awareness about the critical shortage of appropriate school places for children with additional needs. Parents and children shared their heartbreaking stories, emphasizing the urgent need for more resources and support. One mother stated, "Leighton needs a special school. I've applied to every special school I can and I've just got all no's." Another participant added, "These children have a constitutional right to a school place." The protest underscores the urgent need for the government to address this issue and ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their abilities. The event highlights the systemic challenges within the Irish education system and the emotional toll on families affected by the lack of resources. The protesters' call for increased government funding and improved resource allocation is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for all children in Ireland.