11 September 2025
Armagh SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon has issued a stark warning to Education Ministers Paul Givan MLA and Helen McEntee TD following reports that staff at the Middletown Centre for Autism have been instructed to work from home for an indefinite period.
The move this week has sparked fears that the centre - widely regarded as a flagship of cross-border cooperation and a vital support hub for families and educators - may be facing closure or relocation.
Councillor O’Hanlon explained:
"The centre has long been recognised as a beacon of excellence in autism support and a powerful symbol of what cross-border and all-island cooperation can achieve. Its location in Middletown - just yards from the border - is not only strategic but emblematic of its mission to serve families and educators across the island.
"This sudden decision to vacate the site is deeply troubling. The reasons cited are health and safety, including concerns about the access bridge to the site are not new. These issues have been known for years. So why now? Why the abrupt move to remote working?"
Councillor O’Hanlon has formally written to both Ministers seeking urgent answers and assurances. He has asked whether either Minister or their departments were made aware in advance of the decision to instruct staff to work remotely.
He is also seeking a clear and unequivocal assurance from both Ministers that there are no plans to close the Middletown Centre for Autism or to relocate its services to Belfast, Dublin, or any other location.
“The Centre has received millions in investment from both jurisdictions. Its work is internationally recognised. Just weeks ago it was visited by An Taoiseach Michael Martin TD, who left the facility blown away with its work and has talked up the endless possibilities for its future growth and expansion. Families from every corner of Ireland rely on its expertise. Any attempt to quietly dismantle or relocate this service would be a betrayal of the vision and investment that built it.”
Councillor O’Hanlon is also demanding a full explanation of the rationale behind the current situation, including a timeline for when the site will be fully operational again. He is calling for transparency around any plans for the expansion of services at the Middletown site and a clear timeline for when such developments will be delivered.
"This is not just a local issue - it’s an island-wide concern. The centre’s location is key to its success. Its presence in Middletown is not incidental - it is essential. I am calling on both Ministers to act swiftly and publicly reaffirm their commitment to the centre’s future in Middletown."