Urgent Warning: School Faces Closure Amid Strike and Rubbish Crisis

UPDATE: St Joseph’s School in Fairview, Dublin, is on the brink of closure as principal Alexandra Duane warns of a potential rat infestation due to an ongoing strike by over 2,800 school secretaries and caretakers. The strike, which has led to a build-up of rubbish, poses a serious health risk to students and faculty.

As rubbish piles up, Duane expressed grave concerns about health and safety. “If there are rodents or birds [that] are potentially going to attack the kids, it might pressure me into making a decision about closing,” she stated. The situation is urgent, with conditions worsening as the strike continues.

The strike has halted routine maintenance work, leaving bins overflowing and creating an environment that is increasingly unsafe. “We already have a problem with seagulls swooping down during break time,” Duane noted. “It’s a health and safety risk. My hands are tied in terms of what we’re supposed to do.”

Yesterday, heavy rain exacerbated the situation, causing flooding in the school yard and blocking access to facilities. Duane reported that students were unable to use the normal entrance to the toilets, and the school office is currently closed, complicating communication with parents.

Parents are advised to reach out through emergency emails only, as the office’s closure hampers everyday operations. Duane emphasized the importance of the caretakers and secretaries in maintaining essential services such as responding to phone calls, managing student needs, and maintaining school grounds.

The principal, who supports the striking workers, stated, “I don’t think it’s fair at all that they don’t have a pension when they are so vital to the school.” The situation has left many principals, including Duane, feeling overwhelmed. “Many principals are saying they cannot go on like this and will have to close if the dispute is not resolved,” she warned.

If the strike continues and staff members, including Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), decide to walk out, Duane may have no choice but to shut down the school entirely. “I think it will come to a head today or tomorrow,” she added, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

Parents are urged to remain patient as the situation unfolds, with Duane assuring them that the “core functions” of the school are still operational despite the ongoing challenges. “Our priority is on maintaining teaching and learning for your children,” she said.

As the strike continues, the pressure mounts on school officials to address the mounting concerns regarding safety and operational capacity. The community is watching closely as the situation develops, with potential implications for students and families if the strike leads to a school closure.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.