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Autism Classes To Be Halted At Enfield Library After Alleged Noise Complaint, Council Investigating

Monday, 13 October 2025 17:11

By Martin Osborne - Head of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com e

Colleen Mannion, teacher and founder of All Ability Learning Ireland, has been renting a room in the Enfield Community and Enterprise Hub - which also houses the town library - since May.

One-to-one communication classes for autistic people will be halted at Enfield library following allegations of a noise complaint.

The decision has prompted criticism from parents and campaigners, who describe the move as “discrimination” against autistic individuals.

Colleen Mannion, teacher and founder of All Ability Learning Ireland, has been renting a room in the Enfield Community and Enterprise Hub - which also houses the town library - since May. 

She runs sessions using the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), a technique that employs prompts, letter boards, and keyboards to help autistic people, particularly those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, to communicate through spelling.

Ms Mannion currently teaches seven students in the hub, holding classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

She said she first became aware of a noise complaint just over a week ago and acted immediately to address it because the classes were "going pretty well".

She said she was told that a complaint was made about "kicking and thumping".

Kfm understands that Ms Mannion was then told that classes at the facility will not be facilitated at the venue from next month following the complaint.

She said the situation is "heartbreaking". 

Meath County Council is aware of the complaint and is currently investigating. 

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