Fianna Fail is calling for a new school development to be built in Co Kildare after raising serious concerns about the condition of the current building.

Saplings Special School development in Kill has ongoing problems with heating and sewage in the building and the school cannot expand due to a lack of available space.

Fianna Fáil Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has called on the Minister for Education Richard Bruton to help staff at the school secure new premises.

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She said: "The school is recognised by the Department of Education and receives support under the DES scheme. There are 19 children attending the school ranging from 4 to 18 years old. The school is providing an invaluable service and is allowing children with complex needs to receive an education in a suitable environment.

"The staff at the school have been looking for alternative accommodation but have been unable to find anything suitable. Many of the premises currently on offer in the area are zoned for commercial use and cannot be used as a school building. They need assistance from the Department of Education in securing a suitable accommodation for the school.

"The long-term aim must be to construct a purpose built building for Saplings Special School. However it may take some time for this to become a reality. In the meantime suitable accommodation must be secured for the school."

(CD/MH)