The Dalkey School Project offers students of all religions and none equal rights of entry.
The Dalkey project was set up in 1974 by a group of parents and teachers who wanted to give children of all religions equal rights of entry to the same school.
Former Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Minister for Education Gemma Hussey were present at the officially opening of the new national school, the Dalkey School Project.
The school was housed in temporary buildings until three months ago when the teachers and pupils moved to the new premises.
Minister for Education Gemma Hussey says she has not come across anny opposition to the multidenominational school from clergy. The Minister said that historically primary schools were established as the result of local community initiatives, usually headed by the church or groups of parents.
The Dalkey school now has ten teachers and 300 pupils. The young students are very aware of the meaning of multidenominational.
One pupil commented,
Everybody is treated fairly.
Another said,
You don't have to learn about any religion or you don't have to have any religious instruction unless you want it.
And, another said,
We don't ask each other what religion we are.
The Board of Management sees the school as a positive step towards peace and reconciliation in Ireland.
There are plans for two similar schools in Bray and Glasnevin and a further one in Northern Ireland.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 May 1984. The reporter is Mary Fanning.
