Sadness as access to much-loved Gormanston walking route is restricted

Maria Tobin

Gormanston College, with its beautiful grounds, has long been an attraction to local people and indeed tourists for walks/runs/foot golf and family time.

Recently, high railings have been erected with locks on all gates designed to keep the public out. The adjoining football pitches have also been sealed off with the same style railings.

The college, which is steeped in history, is home to acres of green-space, the stunning ’Yew Walk’ and the Delvin river.

However, local people have been left both saddened and dismayed at the decision to close the grounds to the public.

Adrian and Caroline Ryder have lived in Stamullen since 1979: "We moved into Stamullen 41 years ago. At that time, the College grounds, par 3 golf course, tennis courts, handball alleys and playing fields were all open to the public.

"This continued until about 2013 when the Franciscans handed over the running of the facilities to a new school management company, who have gradually restricted public access.

"Some weeks ago they erected extensive security fencing which now fully blocks public access.”

Mr Neil Holohan, commercial director of Gormanston Park, said: "Public access to the college campus is restricted.

"The campus predominantly caters for school children and other minors in a sporting environment.

"We have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for these minors. The restricted access to the campus is to ensure that child safeguarding measures are in place.

“Unfortunately, with public access to the campus, adults would be mixing with minors in an uncontrolled environment.

"Public access is what would be in place in a public park and not on a school campus for minors."

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