Pupils return to St Mark’s school after arson attack caused smoke damage
By Mary Dennehy
MORE than 500 Tallaght school kids this week returned to St Mark’s SNS after an arson attack in February forced the school to close for two weeks due to serious smoke damage.
As reported in The Echo, a lone arsonist maliciously set fire to the progressive and vibrant Springfield-based school in the early hours of Saturday, February 20 – an attack which destroyed the principal’s office and caused collateral smoke damage to all classrooms.
Due to the level of smoke damage, the school was deemed unsafe for children and its doors were closed for two weeks while an industrial cleaner worked on site.
Over the past fortnight, the school community has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support locally – with Principal Richie Walsh commending the level of support from the community, residents’ associations, parents, schools suppliers and more – who together are helping to build the school back to its “five star” status.
Speaking to The Echo this week, St Mark’s SNS, which re-opened on Monday, March 7, expressed its delight and happiness at being back open and learning.
A lone male was captured on CCTV in the vicinity of St Mark’s SNS on Saturday, February 20.
Investigations are ongoing and anybody with information or who may have witnessed anything suspicious between midnight and 1am on February 20 is encouraged to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.
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