Dublin city councillors say outreach about the major project has been to residents in the Fingal County Council area – leaving locals in affected city neighbourhoods, such as Finglas, without a proper voice.
The area near Charlestown has no schools, primary or secondary, right now. Its population is growing, says Neil Dowling, a member of the Meakstown School Campaign.
Those with good English, like him, should be tapped as a resource to help give others a route out of isolation and a chance to contribute more to Ireland, he says.
In March, the average wait to get an initial assessment from its student counselling service was about 11 days, and for a follow-up appointment, another 25.
Even before thousands of Ukrainian refugees began arriving in Ireland, asylum seekers and refugees had said they were struggling to access free English classes.
Magda Mostafa’s ideas for Dublin City University, drawn up with the help of students, include a quiet area near the canteen, and swings where people can find a moment of calm.
Empower the Family wants to provide affordable homes and childcare for students leaving care who are mums. It’s looking for a council site in Ballymun to start out.
