The news has been confirmed this evening.
It's been confirmed a new additional needs class is being opened in Athlone Community College.
The class - which will cater for six students - will be opened in time for the new school term in September.
It follows months of campaigning by local parents and politicians to provide an adequate number of school places for autistic children.
A number of sixth class pupils who just left primary schools in the area have no secondary school place for September, despite receiving assurances from Special Education Minister Josepha Madigan that every child will be catered for.
A new class is also being opened at Ballymahon Vocational School in Co. Longford.
Fine Gael senator Micheál Carrigy says it's very welcome news, but more needs to be done to ensure every child is catered for:
Laois Rose Praises Support Of Tolu Makay During DWTS Journey
Jazz Festival In Laois Town Returns This Weekend
Offaly County Council Unveil Bat House Project
103 Meter St Brigid's Cloak To Be Unveiled in Westmeath This Sunday
Popular Offaly Charity Walk Returns This Weekend
Laois Councillor Calls For Reduced Reliance On AHB'S
Homelessness Figures In Midlands Fall By 7%
Westmeath Man Who Smothered, Choked And Set Wife On Fire Jailed For Five Years
Boomtown Rats Join Laois Festival Line-Up
Midlands Homelessness Falls 7% In Latest Report
Laois County Council Continuing To Monitor Flooding Situation
Appeal Lodged Against Proposed Midlands Hospice
HSE Midlands Encourages People To Consider All Options This Bank Holiday
Laois School Gets Go Ahead For New Campus Building
World Champion Headlining Snooker Exhibition In Offaly
Midlands Communities Celebrating St. Brigid's Day
Irish Rail Warns Midlands Commuters Of Bank Holiday Delays
€30m Primary Care Centre Gets Planning Approval In Laois
Two People Hospitalised Following Westmeath Crash