Minister welcomes Dundrum works as new schools open

AS CHILDREN settle back into school after the summer holidays, Minister for Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan has welcomed new safety works at Taney Parish Primary School in Dundrum.

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council installed the new safety railings beside a walkway.

The new walkway, connecting Overend Way to Sydenham Villas, has been welcomed by parents, however, concerns have been raised about the lack of safety features from the busy Overend Way.

Minister Madigan said: “With many children back in school after the summer holidays, it is important that we ensure their journey is as safe as possible.

“This new walkway between Sydenham Villas and Overend Way may provide welcome relief to residents in Sydenham Villas during busy school times. However, I was concerned at the absence of a safety barrier and the need for a review of the pedestrian crossing arrangement on the road.

“Additional traffic signage and controls should also be considered,” the minister added.

“I have been working on this alongside my colleague, Dundrum Councillor Pat Hand, and I am delighted to hear that the council has responded to our concerns and installed a safety railing this week.”

The minister explained that the new walkway has the potential to ease transport pressures.

“With the Luas station now more accessible, some parents may chose public transport options, which is always welcome,” she added.

“Safe access and transport are important issues for all schools, and I want to wish parents, teachers, and children all the best for the year ahead as schools get on with the new term.”

Meanwhile, two brand new Educate Together secondary schools have opened on the Southside in time for the new term.

Dublin South City Educate Together Secondary School opened in temporary accommodation on the grounds of its permanent accommodation in Roslyn Park, Sandymount.

Said Paula Mulhall, Principal: “We place the student at the heart of all that we do, believing that students learn best when they are happy, stimulated, connected and involved. We will strive to create a caring, vibrant, welcoming school community in which everyone feels a real sense of belonging.

“With no school uniform and staff and students on first name terms we encourage an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect.”

Firhouse ETSS has also opened to its first cohort of First Years in its temporary accommodation in Firhouse Educate Together NS on Ballycullen Drive while permanent accommodation is sought by the Department of Education and Skills.

Claire Matthews, Principal, said:  “We are incredibly excited to be opening Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School today.

“It is such a special day for the community in Firhouse and everybody that supports the Educate Together ethos.

“We extend a warm thanks to everybody who have helped us in so many different ways to get to this point today where we are opening the doors to a whole new adventure in secondary school education in Firhouse.”

Ms Mattews added: “We look forward to learning and growing together.”

Enrolment for 2019 is now open. For further information, check out the school website at www.firhouseetss.ie