Cairn in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland, today announced the launch of the Building Communities reading guide, inspired by Cairn’s Seven Mills, the largest residential development in Ireland – a new town in Dublin 22 which, when complete, will be home to over 15,000 people.

With the construction of Seven Mills underway, Cairn and Children’s Books Ireland have collaborated on a reading list of thirty-four titles aimed at engaging young people as the project unfolds and becomes part of their future.

Cairn will be gifting hundreds of books from the reading list to 6 primary schools in the surrounding communities to Seven Mills. The donated books feature stories of construction, innovation and environmentalism, aiming to inspire ideas for caring for our planet, homes, places and communities. In addition to the books, each school will receive copies of the Building Communities reading guide, helping teachers and pupils explore the titles and topics featured.

To celebrate the launch of this partnership, Irish illustrator Ashwin Chacko today held a creative workshop in Divine Mercy Junior National School, Clondalkin. Aided by volunteers from Cairn and Children’s Books Ireland, Ashwin held a Monster Doodle with second-class pupils, drawing together on a giant, shared canvas. 

Speaking of the partnership, Michael Stanley, Chief Executive Officer, Cairn, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Children’s Books Ireland on such an important initiative. Seven Mills is Dublin’s newest town, and our goal is not just to focus on the houses and infrastructure, but the community that will grow and develop here. We’re thrilled to be inspiring the next generation of talent with the ‘Building Communities’ project and know that the books chosen will help nurture their interest in community, construction, sustainability and innovation.”

Elaina Ryan, CEO Children’s Books Ireland, said: “Since 2022, we have been working with Cairn to inspire the homebuilders of tomorrow through the ‘Building Communities’ project. As they welcome new families to the Seven Mills development, we are thrilled that their young readers will have access to new and exciting books that will capture their imagination. This partnership, with sustainability and community at its heart, is so important to us at Children’s Books Ireland. We look forward to seeing the artwork from Divine Mercy Junior School displayed proudly at Seven Mills in the months to come!”

The list of participating schools include: Divine Mercy Junior National School, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Neillstown National School

• Scoil Nano Nagle
• Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Eoin
• Scoil Naomh Seomamh

The artwork for Building Communities was commissioned from Irish artist Fuchsia MacAree and features details of the Seven Mills community in vibrant, dynamic illustration.