New ‘peaceful’ sensory garden opens in Meath college to support students
Dunboyne College of Further Education has officially opened a new sensory garden to support student wellbeing.
Education Minister and Meath East TD Helen McEntee attended the opening ceremony, describing the garden as “a beautiful and peaceful” spot.
“The garden is a beautiful and peaceful space that will serve as an invaluable resource to the students. While I was there I also got to check out the college’s new sensory pod,” she said on social media.
Ms McEntee commended Principal Catherine Fox and the team led by Catherine Joyce for bringing the sensory garden from concept to reality over the summer.
She also gave a special mention to the college’s community dog, Ulreeka, saying the canine was “not one bit camera shy.”
Fine Gael councillor Maria Murphy also attended the opening and expressed her support for the project.
She said the garden is “a lovely calm and peaceful space which will benefit many students” and praised the efforts of the college staff and volunteers who made the project possible.
Dunboyne College of Further Education has grown significantly since its establishment, expanding from just 40 students in 2003 to over 1,350 students in 2024.
The college’s Learning Hub plays a key role in supporting over 350 students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or ongoing health conditions.
Services include academic support, IT skills training, assistive technology, exam accommodations, guidance, access to the sensory room and sensory pod, and interaction with Ulreeka, the DCFE Community Dog.