Councillors pledge support for new KRC secondary school

A local group say more than 82% of newly elected candidates for the Clontarf, Donaghmede and Artane-Whitehall Constituencies support the establishment of a new co-ed, multi-denominational secondary school for Killester Raheny Clontarf (KRC).

Killester Raheny Clontarf Secondary School Campaign, consisting of local parents and community members, say that of the seven second level schools in this severely oversubscribed school planning area, all are taxpayer-funded but church-run, while five are single-sex.

They say their campaign is urgently calling for a “more modern, inclusive and diverse secondary school option to meet the needs of our young people” — and 14 out of the 17 incoming candidates local to KRC have promised to help make this happen.

In the run up to the election, the Killester Raheny Clontarf Secondary School Campaign asked local candidates to commit to raising the issue of the severe lack of educational choice in their area with their national parties — and to ask party colleagues at TD level to raise questions for us in the Dáil.

“The overwhelming support we’ve received from incoming Dublin City councillors shows just how clear the demand for educational choice is here in the KRC school planning area (SPA),” said local parent and campaign member Maile Miller.

“Every child, including my son, deserves access to a school that meets their needs and respects their family’s values.

“By supporting our campaign, councillors are advocating for educational choice but also for a brighter and more inclusive future for our children.

“It’s a huge move forward for the group’s campaign, but the next step is crucial: what concrete action will the 14 supportive local councillors take to help them achieve an inclusive and diverse new secondary school for Killester Raheny Clontarf?”

In the weeks and months to come, the group say they will be contacting every individual who pledged their support to ask them how they plan to help deliver the school that parents and students so urgently need.

“Our campaign gains strength in numbers every day and the pledges of elected councillors

means our vision for a new secondary school is now firmly on the political agenda,” said local parent and campaign member Grzegorz Gralak.

“However, words without action are meaningless. “We urge Minister for Education Norma Foley and the Department of Education to meet with us and take our concerns seriously.”

Paddy Monahan, Social Democrats, said: “Statistics from the Department of Education show that, year after year, between 60% and 70% of boys who finish sixth class in the KRCSPA leave the area for secondary school.

“This is no surprise as only one of our single-sex schools caters for boys.

“Schools in this area are badly oversubscribed and statistics show we need a new one —one that offers parents a choice.

“I’m determined to put pressure on the government to help make this happen.”

Supriya Singh, Fine Gael, said:

“As the mother of two young children and a resident of Raheny Donaghmede LEA, I fully understand and support the need for more educational options in our area.

“I am happy to advocate for it and ensuring a bright future for our children.”

Jesslyn Henry, Social Democrats, said:

“As a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in a co-educational, comprehensive secondary school, I see firsthand the benefits of co-education for our young people.

“Too many young people are left to struggle through adolescence and young adulthood not knowing how to socialise with their peers of the opposite sex.

“I am a firm believer that if all children were educated in a co-ed system we would have far less anxiety about relationships and a far more inclusive society.

“Respect, dignity and inclusivity are values that I try to live my life by and I’ve brought my daughter up in the same vein.

“Non-denominational schools, in my opinion, try to do just that — accepting those of all faiths and none and teaching the school community to be accepting of everyone.”