Cllr. Charlie O’Connor has said recognising the hard fought campaign of women suffragettes from the South County Dublin region is crucially important during this the 100th year anniversary of the suffragette movement and women being granted the right to vote for the first time in Ireland. South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has confirmed to Cllr O’Connor in recent weeks that the proposal to commemorate local women suffragettes in the area will be granted. An area at the entrance to Sean Walsh Park off the Old Bawn Road, Tallaght has been identified for the erection of memorial.
O’Connor said, “The introduction of the Representation of the People Act which allowed women over 30, who had property rights or a university education, to vote for the first time was a profound moment in Irish civil society. “One hundred years on we should never lose sight of these women’s’ dedication to this cause and what they put themselves through during their campaign. As the Chairperson of Tallaght Area Committee I am very pleased to have been informed by the Chief Executive that a uniquely designed plaque will incorporate the colours associated with the movement, is being prepared.
“This memorial is important and valuable for a number of reasons but it’s particularly significant to now have a place in the locality that can show young people and children what it took for women to gain the right to vote. “I understand that students from Old Bawn Community College will partake in a commemoration and the unveiling of the memorial in Sean Walsh Park on December 17th. He concluded, “I do hope that it will act as a firm reminder to us all and those closest to us to never take that right for granted.”
