Her son has nowhere to go this September.
The mother of a child with special educational needs is pleading with the Department of Education to open more autism units in Athlone, as her son has nowhere to go.
Michelle Dowling's 12 year old son Gareth, who has autism and type 1 diabetes, currently has no school place in his native Athlone, as the only school with an autism unit is full.
She says he's started to refuse to go to school now, as he asks "what's the point?".
Michelle says he badly needs it.
The next best option is in a school 50km away in Galway but Michelle says, because of his diabetes, she wouldn't be able to get to him in case there is an emergency.
The story of Michelle and Gareth follows remarks by the Children's Ombudsman, who says a shortage of school places is failing children like Gareth.
Dr Niall Muldoon says there is a significant gap between places in primary and post-primary schools:
With around a quarter of students with special educational needs, Dr Muldoon predicts the situation is only going to get worse.
Unmarked Grave Campaign Group Call For Meeting with Taosieach
Court Hears Man Who Killed Father In Laois Hotel Believed He Was Attacking Imposter
Former Detective Demands Higher Gardai Numbers For Community Policing
Aontú Publish New Flood Forecasting Bill
Retired Westmeath Chief Fire Officer Calls For Re-Examining of Beep Test
Laois Actor Settling Roots In West Cork
Local Authorities Will Be Held Accountable On Windfarm Judgement - Eamon Ryan
ODVSS Back NWC Calls To Remove Domestic Abuse Perpetrators From Homes
Fate Of Former Westmeath IPAS Centre In Hands Of OPW - Aengus O'Rourke
Garda ‘Go Safe’ Camera To Be Installed at Midlands Railway Station
Taoiseach Acknowledges Frustration As Laois Refuge Centre Stalls
Westmeath Comedian Shares Journey From Diet Culture To New Stand-Up Show
Offaly IFA Raises Alarm Over Brazilian Beef Imports Row
Westmeath Town To Hold First TEDx Event
Over €20k Raised For Family Of Midlands Nurse After Sudden Passing
Fast Track Citizenship Proposed For Immigrants Serving In Defence Forces
Gardaí Investigating Spate Of Laois Thefts
Westmeath Councillor Wants Short Term Let Planning Exemptions For Self Caterers
Plans For 27-Acre Midlands Soccer Facility Rejected
Laois Senator Rails Against Rent Pressure Zone Legislation