Community groups in Clonalvy united against plan to sell old national school

Community Groups in Clonalvy have come together to appeal to the Bishop of Meath to postpone the sale of the local national school building, to enable the community look at acquiring the premises and its potential uses.

Representatives of the Clonalvy Revival Programme and the Ardcath/Clonalvy Heritage Society have written to the Diocesan authorities, asking for a postponement of the sale and suggesting that in the short term, the facility could be used to provide accommodation or other facilities for Ukrainian refugees.

Patricia Rogers of the Clonalvy Revival Programme said that the community groups came together when the 'for sale' sign went up on the school, which closed in June 2019.

The letter to Bishop Deenihan was signed by Ms Rogers and Nick Reilly of the Heritage Society, who were nominated by a general meeting of all voluntary organisations in the Parish of Ardcath and Clonalvy. “We also feel that a general meeting of the community should be held and we intend to do this when we get a response from Bishop Deenihan,” said Ms Rogers.

In the letter, they say that the participants at the recent meeting, felt strongly that immediate consideration should be given to providing the premises to Meath County Council on a temporary basis to provide accommodation and/or training centre for displaced persons.

“As we understand it, the Government has placed an urgent call for empty properties which can be quickly converted for use. The school premises has water and toilet facilities and can be quickly adapted. “Furthermore, we understand that the local authority will underwrite costs associated with same.”

The letter states that the local community groups feel strongly that there is a need for a community premises in or about the parish as there are very limited facilities for community activity, and the former school offers the ability to provide a wide range of social service potential, as well as for recreation and adult education.

“In the immediate time, there is no reason why the school could not be used on a temporary basis by Meath County Council for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees.

“It could be adapted with speed to include shower and laundry facilities. The facilities could also be adapted to provide community education and there is potential in the area for employment for refugees.

“The local population will make as much effort as possible to ensure that people are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the community in a dignified manner, given the immense trauma which they have been subject.”

The letter states that if the school is not returned to education, the community requires time to establish the feasibility of developing a community facility to include meetings rooms, community health facility, workplace hub and community garden plus storage and recreational facilities.

“We see no prejudice to the Diocese of Meath to retain the property for a short period of time to enable the immediate provision of emergency accommodation for refugees and to enable the community to work with partners in the local authority, education and community development sector to establish our capacity to maintain the premises in quasi-public use.

“Therefore, we would respectfully ask that you use your offices to make representations to the diocesan authorities not to advance the sale of the property for a period of time to enable alternative uses to be considered”.

The community groups undertook to advise Bishop Deenihan of the forthcoming community meeting.

Cllr Amanda Smith said she hoped the Diocesan Trust would give the community time to acquire the facility.

“This is the same community that raised funds to build the school,” she said.

“The closure of the school was a big blow to the community and the shop and post office have also closed.

“There are no community facilities in Clonalvy and Ardcath doesn't even have a parish hall.

“There are good community groups that could run it as a great facility,” she said.

Local resident, Cllr Nick Killian, said he was concerned at the lack of community facilities in Clonalvy.

“I believe the old National School would be the ideal premises to house community facilities.

“I am calling on St Finian's Diocesan Trust to pause the sale at the moment and meet with the community and that it not be sold until full consultation is exhausted.

“I call on Bishop Deenihan to look at the bigger picture and its potential as a multi use facility for young and old.”

Bishop Deenihan has been approached for comment.