Published 1 September 2025

Designed by Simon J Kelly Architects, St Oliver’s Special School in Tuam, Co. Galway provides a full educational curriculum for pupils aged 4-18 with special needs.

The build was completed during the COVID-19 national lockdown as the construction of the school was considered an essential project.

Built by Carey Building Contractors, the facility accommodates up to 34 children with severe to profound learning disabilities, multiple diagnoses as well as students with autism or emotional and behavioural problems.

The school has also introduced an early intervention class for pre-school children, aged 2 1/2 to 6 years old, with a diagnosis of autism.

The 2,221 sqm first-class educational facility is primarily a single-storey construction but includes a partial basement, facing the public road, containing a hydrotherapy and physiotherapy suite. The elevated and sloped site was first reduced by 2-3m with retaining walls constructed to adjoining properties. Classrooms are fully wheelchair accessible with hoists to assist the movement of students.

 

To encourage outdoor learning, the facility benefits from carefully designed landscaped spaces including hard and soft play areas that can be used as an external teaching space. The reduced site dig is evident in the soft play area, where raised beds have been planted to create a sensory garden and soften the boundary.

Waterman Moylan was appointed as health and safety consultants and independent Project Supervisor – Design Process for the design and construction phases of the project.