As a teacher at St. Oliver Plunkett's in Finglas South, I see every day the transformative power of the arts on our children. We are an arts-rich school, but we also recognise that our students don't have the same access to cultural spaces outside of school as children from other communities. This is not just about art; it's about social inclusion, cultural capital, and giving our young people a chance to shine.

Finglas has approximately 5,300 primary school age going children who could greatly benefit from such a centre. Despite recommendations from the Finglas Strategy Report, there is still no Arts or Cultural Centre in Finglas. This is a missed opportunity for showcasing local talent and connecting our community.

An arts centre would provide much-needed space for creative expression and learning after school hours - when it's most needed. It would also serve as a hub for community events and performances that celebrate our local culture.

We believe that access to art should not be determined by one’s postcode or socio-economic status but should be available to all who seek it out. An Arts Centre in Finglas can help bridge this gap while fostering creativity, confidence, and community spirit among our youth.

We urge you to support us in making this dream come true for the young people of Finglas by signing this petition today!