Autism unit planning decision expected

A PLANNING decision is expected on July 11 in relation to the development of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit (ASD) unit catering for children with autism and special needs at St Joseph’s National School in Kinvara.
The board of management at the school applied to Galway County Council in April for planning permission to fit out the ground floor of a former convent building for use as an ASD unit.
The former convent is a protected structure, built in 1878. The application also proposed to carry out refurbishment works to the building, including the replacement of the windows and doors, along with the upgrading of the roof structure. Permission for a rear extension to the building to accommodate a kitchenette and bathrooms was also sought by the board.
Following a request for further information last month, the school board lodged its response with the council this past week and a planning decision is now eminent.
The applicants were asked for further information in respect of aspects of the development of the school, which is a protected structure, and the authority sought details of how the proposed works would affect the character of the structure and how it would treat the tower or interacts with the adjoining church.
They also required information on what exactly an ASD unit is, while other information, such as parking details and road access, were also to be addressed.
In a detailed response, the school noted that it has engaged two professions in relation to the conservation element of the development and it provided a report to address the planner’s concerns.
The school explained that the proposed ASD unit, which would cater for up to a maximum of six pupils, would facilitate classes for pupils with autism and special needs.
“The purpose of the ASD class is to assist children with ASDs to leave school with the skills necessary to participate to the level of their capacity in an inclusive way in the school and economic activities of society,” the principal, Dominic Gallagher, said.
An indication was given by the planner on the file that a decision is due on July 11.