Major expansion plan lodged for special needs school in Tipperary as decision nears

A significant expansion of St. Anne's Special School in Roscrea is currently under consideration by Tipperary County Council, with a decision due in early April.

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The planning application, submitted on January 12 by the Board of Management of St. Anne’s Special School, seeks permission for a substantial new extension aimed at improving facilities for the school’s pupils - children with special educational needs.

The proposed development would involve the construction of a 1,362 square metre single-storey extension to the north side of the existing school building, within the school’s current grounds at Sean Ross Abbey.

The extension is designed to significantly enhance the school’s capacity and specialist supports, providing six new classrooms along with a library, dedicated clinical and sensory rooms, and a range of ancillary support spaces tailored to students with additional needs.

A secure internal courtyard play area also forms part of the design, offering a safe and accessible outdoor space integrated within the new building.

In addition to the new accommodation, the plans include a series of site and infrastructural improvements. These comprise an extension to the existing boiler room, the provision of a covered set-down area to facilitate safer and more accessible drop-off and collection of pupils, a revised parking layout within the school grounds, and the installation of a new on-site wastewater treatment system.

The development is proposed within the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey, also known as Corville House, which is listed as a protected structure under the county development plan.

However, planning documents state that the new extension will be located approximately 190 metres north of the abbey and will not impact on its setting or appearance.

Specialist reports submitted with the application, including architectural heritage and archaeological assessments, support this position and conclude that the project will have no negative impact on the protected structure or nearby historic features.

The school currently caters for 49 pupils and 38 staff, with the majority of students transported by bus. According to the application, the council has raised no concerns in relation to traffic or access, as the site operates independently of the main public road network.

Public submissions on the application closed on February 15, and the proposal is now being assessed by council planners.

If approved, the development would represent a major investment in special education provision in the Roscrea area, delivering modern, purpose-built facilities for students and staff at St. Anne’s Special School.

A decision from Tipperary County Council is expected by April 7.

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