12.06.2024
New Project Underway in Greystones for Ukrainian Children
A brand new all weather outdoor play space is to be created at Tiglin’s Coolnagreina property in Greystones which is currently home to more than 20 families from Ukraine.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Dublin and Glendalough and beyond, funds were made available to Protestant Aid for distribution throughout the United Dioceses to assist with parochial initiatives supporting the integration and wellbeing of people from Ukraine.
Far from their homes, Ukrainian families seeking Temporary Protection in Ireland have been warmly welcomed by the vast majority of Irish people, including by those in the Church of Ireland community. Shortly after the full invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Tiglin stepped in to provide accommodation at their newly renovated site in Greystones.
The first steps of a project initiated by Canon David Mungavin, Rector of St Patrick’s Church, were taken on May 29 when Archbishop Michael Jackson turned the sod on a new outdoor play area. The sod turning was witnessed by children from Ukraine who will benefit from the project.
The children were joined by Archbishop Hosam Naoum and clergy from the Diocese of Jerusalem who entered into a lively football match on the current grassy space. They later learned about Tiglin and the sanctuary the charity has offered to Ukrainians fleeing war.
Archbishop Jackson said it was a pleasure to be invited to turn the sod for the new play area and commended the work done in Greystones to support the integration of people from Ukraine.
“I continue to be overwhelmed by the work being done to facilitate those from Ukraine to be happy in Greystones and wish to thank the Tiglin team, the Rector and parishioners, and St Patrick’s and Temple Carrig schools,” he stated. “It is also most heartening to see money generously given by the people of Dublin and Glendalough and beyond, and in the custodianship of Protestant Aid, used to enhance the lives of Ukrainians who are now our friends and neighbours in our communities. We were delighted to have the Archbishop of Jerusalem and his clergy with us for this and to enable all concerned to forge new connections and friendships,” Archbishop Jackson concluded.
St. Patrick’s National School principal and Tiglin board member, Rachel Harper thanked the dioceses for their gift. “An outdoor play area is a wonderful way to provide a unique and engaging experience for children which helps them develop not just physically but also emotionally. It is wonderful to see the children being enabled to play outside and socialise together. We cannot thank the diocese enough for their most generous gift which is making this upgrade to the children’s playground possible. We know this will mean a lot to both the children and their families,” she stated.
Head of Charitable Services for Protestant Aid, Geoff Scargill added: “We were delighted to be used as a conduit for this initiative as well as several others in the United Diocese, thanks to the generosity of many donors. This playground will be a therapeutic aid for those children who have witnessed much disruption in their short lives”.
The project in Greystones was one of four to receive funding from Protestant Aid following fundraising by Dublin and Glendalough. Other parishes allocated funds for initiatives supporting people coming from Ukraine were Howth, Crinken and Narraghmore.
