Swedish Success at Model United Nations!

Ardgillan College students at St Andrew’s International Model United Nations

From Friday 13th to Monday 16th February, five students from Ardgillan College took part in St Andrew’s International Model United Nations (SAIMUN), a four-day conference that brought together students from schools across Ireland and beyond to debate some of the most pressing global issues of our time. Representing the Kingdom of Sweden, Ardgillan students demonstrated outstanding preparation, diplomacy, and teamwork as they engaged in rigorous debate, negotiation, and resolution writing across a range of committees.

Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations in which students act as diplomats representing different countries. Participants research their assigned nation’s policies, debate global issues in committees, and work collaboratively to draft and pass resolutions, developing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, negotiation, and international awareness.

Thelma served as Ambassador for the Swedish delegation and represented Sweden on Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL), debating topics on disinformation and interference in state elections. Thelma played a key leadership role in coordinating the delegation’s approach and articulating Sweden’s positions with confidence and clarity. Shane represented Sweden on the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), debating the question of preventing non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. This complex topic required a deep understanding of global security, international law, and international cooperation. Darragh took part in The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CTSD), engaging with the question of regulating the use of genetic engineering and human enhancement. His committee explored the ethical, scientific, and societal implications of rapidly advancing technologies. Andrew represented Sweden on the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, debating the question of the protection and promotion of minority languages globally. This topic highlighted issues of cultural identity, human rights, and cultural preservation. Willard participated in the Ecology and the Environment Committee (E&E), where delegates examined the question of the management and environmental impact of artificial intelligence, considering how emerging technologies can be balanced with environmental sustainability.

In addition to committee work, students had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, including Richard Boyd Barrett T.D, who spoke about contemporary political challenges, and Gina London, who delivered an engaging talk on communication, leadership, and confidence in public speaking. These sessions provided valuable real-world insight and inspiration for all delegates!

Over the course of the conference, all five students demonstrated impressive research skills, strong public speaking ability, and a commitment to respectful and constructive debate. Their participation in SAIMUN was a very rewarding educational experience.  Huge congratulations to Thelma who won the Distinguished Delegate Award! This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the work she put in over the four days of the conference.

If you would like advice in getting involved with MUN get in touch with the team at Ardgillan College and for more information on the Model UN programme, please visit https://www.un.org/en/mun

The Reach Fund 2026 is now open for applications to Community Education Groups.

Please register for either or both of our online information sessions on the QR code scheduled for the following dates by 5pm on Friday, 23^rd January:

1. Monday 26^th January at 11am
2. Wednesday 4^th February at 11am

The 2026 application form in pdf format and Reach Fund 2026 guidelines from SOLAS for DDLETB’s Further Education and Training services in Dublin College are attached.

All enquiries and applications must be sent to: reachfund@ddletb.ie for consideration.

If you require an application form in alternative format, please also contact us at this email address.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 26^th February at 5pm.

Download the Reach Fund 2026 Application Form

Download the Reach Fund 2026 Guidelines

QRCode for Dublin College Reach Fund 2026 Information Sessions

Variety Cycling Inclusion Centre DDLETB

DDLETB in partnership with Variety Ireland and Active South Dublin launch Ireland’s first “Cycling Inclusion Centre of Excellence” located in Collinstown Sports Complex.

The Bikehub first opened in 2021 with a fleet of 50 standard bikes, and in April 2024, expanded its services to support children with additional needs. The demand for inclusive cycling quickly became clear, highlighting a significant lack of suitable facilities for children who require adapted mobility equipment.

In response, the Bikehub has continued to grow its resources and expertise, developing a programme that adapts to the needs of each child. Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with the programme far exceeding expectations.

The hub now offers free supervised access to a wide selection of mainstream bikes, mobility trikes, wheelchair transporters, and an extensive range of adapted mobility trikes. A key feature of the complex is its permanently designed inclusive cycling course, providing a safe space where people with and without disabilities can learn and cycle together. This inclusive approach creates a fully integrated, confidence-building experience for all users.

Variety Cycling Inclusion

Investment over the past year has added a new storage facility, a wheelchair carrier bike, six medical trikes, balance bikes for both children and adults, stationary pedalling stands, custom balance-support bikes, go-karts, and a hand-powered trike. These additions ensure that families of all abilities can enjoy cycling side by side. The hub also offers road safety lessons on a new custom-built road and games track, supporting safe skills development in a calm environment.

At the launch event, Variety Ireland unveiled the Recycle Mobility Programme Impact Report 2025, carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The study highlights the profound mental and physical health benefits adaptive bikes and trikes provide to children and their families.

The Bikehub remains deeply committed to making cycling accessible to every child and looks forward to sharing this unique community resource with families across the region.

Bike Hub

DDLETB calls on parents and guardians to participate in Primary Schools Survey 2030 and have their say on the future of primary education

0001 CNS Survey 2

The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by Ireland’s Education & Training Boards. The survey found here, aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education.

Education and Training Boards, the patrons of Community National Schools and Community Colleges across the country, which are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational primary and post-primary schools, and the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish, are calling on all parents of children within this cohort, as well as school staff and boards of management to participate in the survey and have their say.

Commenting on the release of the survey, Caitríona Murphy, Chief Executive of DDLETB said, “This is an important opportunity to inform the future educational landscape across Ireland. It’s a chance to ensure our schools, in the future, reflect the diverse society we now live in. We would encourage parents and guardians, school staff, and boards of management to take time to complete the survey, and to access the resources and information provided by the Department.”

“It is important to note, that when a school changes to become, for example, a Community National School under the patronage of their local ETB, lots of the great things that are already in place remain the same”, she continued, “the curriculum, the staff, and extra-curricular activities all remain as they were. The main thing that changes is that the ethos in a Community National School includes all children and their families equally throughout the school day, rather than prioritising any one faith. So instead of taking part in Catholic religion classes only, for example, children learn about different religious and non-religious worldviews, and the religions and beliefs of their classmates. For families who are Catholic, there is still the option for children to make their First Holy Communion or their Confirmation – the only difference is that preparation for the sacraments happens outside of the regular school day.”

Data on Religious Beliefs demonstrates “clear need for more diverse school options”

Figures gathered by ETBI show that, currently, only 156 of the 3089 primary schools nationally are multi-denominational (i.e. 5% of all schools). The vast majority – 95% – fall under the patronage of religious bodies, primarily the Catholic Church. Data from the most recent Census illustrates a mismatch between the religious beliefs of people in Ireland, and the educational options currently on offer. In the 2022 Census, 31% of people in Ireland said they do not identify as Catholic, with over 14% identifying as non-religious and significant increases in other religious beliefs.

Commenting on the data, Nichola Spokes, DDLETB Director of School, with responsibility for the development of DDLETB Community National School said

“The Census data demonstrates a clear need for more diverse primary school options for families in our region. A considerable proportion of our population is not adequately served by the current primary education system, whereby 95% of the schools are primarily run by the Catholic Church and promote a Catholic ethos.”

“Parents should have the opportunity to choose a school that reflects their own values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Educational diversity ensures that every family can access an environment that aligns with their principles and supports the holistic development of their children. Expanding school choice is therefore essential to fostering inclusion, equality, and respect for the diverse identities within our community.”

The survey will CLOSE on December 16th, further information about the Primary Schools Survey 2030 is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey/

Further information on ETB Community National Schools can be found here: https://www.ddletb.ie/schools/primary-schools/ or at the national CNS website: www.cns.ie