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:
Irish Penal Reform Trust Calls For Prison Security Review After Inmate Death Report
Midlands Students Win Timber Design Awards
Location Chosen For Westmeath Outdoor Pool And Boardwalk Project
Westmeath Woman And Irish Detainees Returning Home After Israeli Detention
Midlands To Receive Nearly €180k For Farm Safety And Wellbeing Projects
Midlands Set For Mini Heat Wave Next Week
Midlands Vigil For Man Who Died After Alleged Shoplifting Incident
'Beer, Steer and Go' Westmeath Drunk Driver Jailed For Two Years
World Leaders Condemn Israeli Minister
Midlands Senator Slams 'Vindictive Attack" By Former Fianna Fail Member On Party
Offaly Wind Farm Action Group 'Elated' Over Rejected Plans
Offaly Hospice Committee Reaches Settlement With HSE Over Funding Dispute
Midlands MEP Criticises EU Fertiliser Action Plan As Lacking Ambition
Ireland Sees Sharp Growth In Synthetic Drug Use
Offaly School Celebrates 90th Academic Year With Community Bog Walk
Planners Approve Revisions For Redevelopment Project At Laois GAA Club
Westmeath Man Charged Following Threats To Taoiseach
TDs And Senators To Debate Future Of Wind Energy In Ireland
Rental Supply Remains Critically Low Despite Midlands Increase