ST. OLIVER’S SCHOOL official OPENING

As Patron of St. Oliver’s Special School in Tuam we were very happy to support the celebration of their official opening on September 10th. Minister Michael Moynihan visited to perform the official opening of the school.

The new St. Oliver’s Special school building was opened in 2021, with a junior wing providing the Primary Curriculum and a senior wing delivering the Post-Primary Curriculum. The entire building project cost in the region of €5 million.

St. Oliver’s officially became a Department of Education school in 2008, having previously operated for many years as an Ability West Child Education and Development Centre. Ability West remains the school’s Patron and continues to support its work in many important ways, including providing nursing care for pupils.

Today, St. Oliver’s caters for 40 pupils aged 4 to 18 years with additional educational needs, offering a full curriculum in a nurturing and supportive environment.

In her welcome speech, Acting Principal Bernie Creaven said:

“The official opening was due to take place during COVID but unfortunately the event had to be postponed at that time, so it’s a very welcome opportunity to have Minister Michael Moynihan here in the school today to perform the official opening”.

Following a tour of the school, Minister Moynihan met with pupils, staff, parents, past pupils, and invited guests in the school hall. In his address, Minister Moynihan said:

“I’m delighted to be here in Tuam today to officially open St Oliver’s Special School, which is clearly a wonderful school with superb staff at all levels. This isn't just a building but a place that ensures that every child, regardless of their needs, have a place where they can learn, grow, and develop at their own pace. Today's official opening reflects the government's broader commitment to provide a more inclusive education system for all students, which can be seen in the unprecedented €2.9 billion funding dedicated to special education provision across the country, an increase of over 50% since 2019.”

Julie Silke Daly, CEO of Ability West and Patron of St. Oliver’s, expressed her gratitude to the Minister and praised the school community:

“I am so proud of St. Oliver’s School today and would like to congratulate Acting Principal Bernie Creaven and the staff team here – it’s refreshing to come and visit the school today, especially to meet all the children – it’s an absolute hive of activity today as it should be! I’d like to thank Chairperson of the Board of Management Joseph Renjith, and the Board of Management members for the strong support they provide for the school. Marieta Nolan, School Principal can’t be here with us today as she is on maternity leave, but I’d like to commend her ongoing commitment to the school. I also like to thank David Joyner who was the Chairperson of the Board of Management at the time the project was undertaken.”

She also highlighted the urgent need for more classroom space, adding:

“It’s well recognised and documented that the diagnoses of Autism and Intellectual Disability are growing, both globally and nationally. For next year, it is projected that with the numbers requiring places at the school, we will need another two classrooms, so it would be great if the Minister and his Department can support our efforts in this regard.”

Julie noted that less than two miles from this school lies a 35 acre site bequeathed to the people of Tuam, currently held by the HSE, Toghermore. It holds the potential for something transformative: an equine centre for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Horse therapy has been shown to significantly improve outcomes in communication, balance, and confidence. Already, such centres exist in Dublin and Cork — yet the West of Ireland still waits. On this site, over 1,000 hours of therapy could be delivered to children and adults with ID/Autism weekly. Plans envision not only equine therapy, but also inclusive sports pitches, sensory gardens, pet therapy, café facilities run by disability services, a bike track with specialist bikes, a race track for the local athletics club, horticultural facilities, and more. This is not just about therapy — it is about creating a vibrant, inclusive community space that transforms lives. Minister, with your support, this dream could become a reality.

This vision also aligns perfectly with Ireland’s new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, the first since Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Grounded in dignity, respect, and equality, it seeks to dismantle barriers and foster real community participation. For Tuam, the development of this equine and community centre would be a key deliverable, ensuring that rights and inclusion are not just policies, but lived experiences.

The Chairperson, Renjith Joseph, representing the Board of Management said, “I’d like to thank everyone for their great assistance. We are now making great progress.”

The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Minister Michael Moynihan, Senator Anne Rabbitte, Deputy Albert Dolan, Peter Roche T.D., and Louis O’Hara T.D. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Minister Moynihan, and the school was blessed by Fr. Pat Farragher.

The Minister concluded his visit by meeting with staff, parents, and pupils before departing.

Photos: Ray Ryan, Tuam.