Catherine Martin TD statement on vandalism at Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua

T.D. for Dublin Rathdown and Deputy Leader of the Green Party Catherine Martin today called on the Department of Education and Skills to support the school community of Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua, after the school was vandalised last night.

“I was horrified to learn that ten classroom windows were smashed and that glass was strewn all over the children’s work and books. This is a terrible blow to the entire school community of Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua, and the Department of Education and Skills must do everything they can to support the school.

This is not the first time Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua has been vandalised, and it is incredibly upsetting for parents, staff and most importantly the children to think that their school is under siege.

The lack of a local Garda Station and the continuing delay and uncertainty around the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station is only adding to the anxiety of the people of Stepaside and Sandyford about crime in the area. It is totally unacceptable that the most vulnerable people, our young children, have been targeted for intimidation in this manner. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality must move as quickly as possible to provide an adequate solution to this issue for the area and the reopening of the Stepaside Garda Station.”