The Importance of Transition Year

When the current Junior Certificate students complete their exams in June, attention will quickly switch to transition year. It is best that pupils start arranging their work experience as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The type of work experience should reflect where you want to take your life after school. It is also crucial that people arrange a constructive community care experience to gain an insight into the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

I spent my work experience in TV3 where I was able to witness the world of journalism first hand. Each day, I was on the set of ‘Late Lunch Live’ which is now ‘The Seven O’Clock show’. It was great to spend time with Martin King and Lucy Kennedy. I learned how a show is put together. I also spent time with Councillor Dermot Lacey in his Pembroke Ward. We had the opportunity to meet local residents to discuss the issues facing them at that time. The water charges were a hot topic of discussion on the doors. I also had the chance to speak to those who prepare and approve legislation including Mattie McGrath TD and Barry Cowen TD.

Following my work experience, I was asked by my school to be the Rugby Correspondent for the Leinster Schools Cup matches. Having not come from a rugby background, this was a challenge. However, I embraced the spirit of fourth year and tried something new. I sent one of my articles into The Irish Independent where it was published a few days later. My classmates were amazed at the achievement. I subsequently wrote another article for the paper along with others which were published on the school Facebook page. It was fantastic to be selected as it shows that nothing is off limits for transition year pupils.

A good community care placement is essential to maximise your development. The purpose of community care is to give students an insight into the problems faced by those less fortunate in life. I carried out my experience in the Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre in Rathfarnham by helping with the meals on wheels. It was fascinating to hear the stories of regular participants and learn how to cook a few nice meals myself.

I firmly believe that transition year is one of the most crucial years in school. It provides the right set of circumstances for students to mature and take a break before the pressure of the Leaving Cert commences. It gives you the foundations to learn essential life skills and provides a platform to decide where you would like to take your life after school. Students must make smart decisions when it comes to transition year. Do not choose work experience or community care just to fill in time. That will not be beneficial to anyone. Carry out work that nurtures your talents and gives you solid foundations for the future. That will benefit you most. Transition year is a year worth doing.

By Cian Byrne.

The problem with BusConnects

With days to go until the local elections, discussions in my own area of Rathfarnham have centred around many different issues. Residents in the ward are concerned about one particular problem that has dominated the agenda for months. The proposed BusConnects plan has struck a chord in our community and the surrounding areas of Templeogue and Terenure. Locals are furious that they are likely to lose some land from their front gardens under the proposal. Most of the fifteen people running for election in the Rathfarnham-Templeogue electoral area do not even support the plans.

According to BusConnects, the changes commence on Grange Road with the creation of a “bypass lane” at the car park beside St Mary’s BNS. It is proposed that land will be taken from a small number of properties in Rathfarnham Wood, green spaces in Rathfarnham Castle and Village Court along with the Credit Union. Cyclists currently using Rathfarnham Road will need to take a detour through Brookvale via an existing pedestrian laneway. This will be widened by taking land from the Texaco station. A two way cycling track will be constructed on Springfield Avenue with the bikes connecting back to Rathfarnham Road once again. Homes on Rathfarnham Road will lose land from their gardens due to the creation of this new bus lane. The project will cost a substantial amount of money and the funds could be used for better causes.

This development fails to generate many benefits for people in the locality. The residents of Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Terenure deserve proper cycle lanes mounted above the road (as seen on Nutgrove Avenue). This will improve safety for all those travelling to work and school everyday. Cycling infrastructure should be a top priority for all those in positions of influence. The funds needed for BusConnects should be spent on the extension of a Metro to Rathfarnham. This will solve the problem of traffic congestion that BusConnects is trying to address.

The BusConnects plan needs to be reconsidered. The people of the Rathfarnham-Templeogue local election ward deserve better. Let’s spend the money on proper cycle lanes and a Metro which will have a positive impact on people’s lives. Instead of creating a problem for people on ground level, we can create a solution underground. The one positive aspect is that these plans are only at the consultation stage and residents were invited to submit their opinions. There is still time to change the proposal.

By Cian Byrne.

A Directly Elected Mayor For Dublin

Dublin is a hub for business and education with thousands flocking to the capital each day. The city is a fantastic place but there are significant problems such as crime, housing and traffic congestion. These issues are not new. They have led to a discussion about whether Dublin should have a directly elected Mayor.

At present, Dublin City Council is overlooked by a Lord Mayor. This person is elected by councillors every year. The role is mostly ceremonial and this needs to change. Our city is facing challenges that can be solved through the election of a Mayor. This will ease pressure on the government and create transparency that Dubliners deserve.

A directly elected Mayor would be responsible for tackling crime. Initiatives need to start from the ground up in all communities. A Mayor that gives talks in schools and engages with young people will create a society which is not plagued by anti-social behaviour. We need projects that benefit people in disadvantaged areas such as improved facilities and additional sports clubs. This will provide a focus for young adults which can tackle the roots of crime rather than responding when something serious happens.

An individual occupying the Mayoral role could take charge of the unacceptable housing situation in Dublin. This would take pressure off our government and reduce the time for those awaiting a house. A Mayor would also be responsible for the homeless crisis. The first person elected to this position needs to establish a homeless action committee made up of people like Fr Peter McVerry, Brother Kevin Crowley, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and other leading advocates. They would be responsible for advising the Mayor on the best way forward so we can put a stop to this injustice which has cast a shadow over society for too long.

Any individual putting themselves before Dubliners must act to end traffic congestion in the city. Many people face long commutes to work each day and this must stop. By making it safer to cycle, progress can be made quickly. There is room on streets where special cycle paths can be built. They need to be on a different level to the road. This will reduce the amount of accidents between cyclists and vehicles. Improving the frequency of Luas trams and buses will also encourage more people to use public transport. These measures will significantly reduce pressure on road users.

An elected Mayor of Dublin has many benefits that all citizens of the capital will see. It is a way of connecting residents with a figure they can relate to. The challenges Dublin faces will not be solved overnight. However, I know that a Mayor who is committed to the values of Baile Átha Cliath will set a good example for many generations to come.

By Cian Byrne.

The Day I Met Gavin Barwell

It was my first day in London and I woke up early. The fog descended over Westminster as dawn began to break from the clouds. I went for a morning stroll up to Horse Guards Parade and looked through the Downing Street gate. I knew that the Prime Minister was inside preparing for some crucial weeks ahead. While outside, I spotted one cabinet Minister walking through the famous black door. I could not see who it was but the bright red box gave away their status. If I was a betting man, Gavin Williamson, David Gauke or Damian Hinds would have been at the top of my list. It will always be a mystery.

I went back towards my hotel and ran straight into Prime Minister Theresa May’s Chief of Staff Gavin Barwell across from the Cenotaph. Mr Barwell is a former Housing Minister who rose to the prominent Downing Street position in 2017. The influential staff member previously represented Croydon Central in parliament. I am familiar with the area because of my regular attendance at the Royal Russell MUN Conference as a teenager. Theresa May’s closest confidant also has connections to Dublin having studied at Trinity College.

Mr Barwell stopped for a number of minutes and we spoke about my trip to London. The Chief of Staff would have probably been meeting the Prime Minister after our discussion.

The opportunity to speak with such a powerful figure was fascinating as the country prepares to leave the European Union in 2019. Only time will tell where this fascinating journey through British Politics takes us next.

By Cian Byrne.