Political reps unite in support of Drimnagh school

Local elected representatives have expressed support for the board’s decision to use a Drimnagh school to house Ukrainian women over Christmas.

This follows a protest near Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School on the Mourne Road, Drimnagh on Tuesday night.

The school released a statement after the protest clarifying that part of the school was used as emergency accommodation over Christmas and the school is now empty.

“For some of the Christmas break, a small section of the school was used as emergency accommodation by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth,” the school’s statement said.

“This happened between December 23 and January 3 and is now over.”

Another protest took place last night, with protesters arriving again this morning as children returned to school.

In a joint statement* released yesterday, TDs and City Councillors from various parties in Dublin South Central said:

“We support the decision made by the board of management at Our Lady of Mercy secondary school, Drimnagh to allow Ukrainian women stay in the school over Christmas while the school was closed.

“This was the right and proper thing to do. These women were fleeing the war in Ukraine and were in urgent need of accommodation. The women left yesterday, allowing the school to prepare for the reopening tomorrow.

“The school issued a short statement to all the parents explaining the situation and confirming the school will reopen as planned.

“We want to wish the pupils and staff all the very best as they return to school tomorrow.”

*Statement Issued by

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD

Patrick Costello TD

Bríd Smith TD

Joan Collins TD

Cllr. Daithí Doolan

Cllr. Vincent Jackson

Cllr. Sophie Nicoullaud

Cllr. Daithí DeRoiste

Cllr. Hazel de Nortúin