Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady and Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Ward have raised concerns about the potential impact of proposed works at Kilmacanogue National School on the village’s 1916 commemorative garden.
While welcoming the broader investment in the school and proposed improvements to road safety around the school zone, both representatives believe that the element of the plan which would impact on the existing garden is unnecessary and should be reconsidered.
Teachta Brady said:
“While the works planned for Kilmacanogue National School are, of course, welcome, I have significant concerns about the impact of the current plans on the existing 1916 commemorative garden.
“This garden was created by the local community, who came together as part of the centenary commemoration of the Easter Rising in 2016 to establish a committee to develop and maintain it. The committee and wider community have continued to care for the garden on an ongoing basis and hold an annual Easter 1916 commemoration there.
“Over the years, the garden has become much more than a memorial; it is now a focal point for the village and an important community space, where people come together each year to remember and commemorate those who took part in the 1916 Rising, but also to enjoy the garden itself. The planting has now begun to mature, and when it is in full bloom, the garden is a particularly beautiful and valued space for the local community.
“The section of the proposed works that would install a new footpath through the garden is not necessary to achieve the wider objectives of the school zone and traffic-calming measures.
“There is an alternative that we have put to the council which, if implemented, would allow the necessary works to proceed without negatively impacting the garden.
“I will be engaging with Wicklow County Council to raise these concerns and to seek an amendment to the plans that protects the garden while allowing the necessary road safety and school improvement works to proceed.”
Councillor John Ward said:
“I want to be clear that I am not opposed to the broader works planned around Kilmacanogue National School.
“Improving safety for children, parents, staff and other road users is important and should always be supported.
“However, the element of the proposal that impacts on the 1916 garden is unnecessary, and I believe the plans should be amended to avoid interfering with this vitally important community space.
“I urge Wicklow County Council to review this element of the plans and ensure the garden is protected.”
ENDS