Old national school and local ‘eyesore’ bought for €160k
The old national school in Nobber village which has lain derelict for several years and become an eyesore in the village, has been bought by Meath County Council.
The council was successful in obtaining funding under the Town and Villages Renewal- Building acquisition measure and has purchased the former school building from St Finian's Diocesan Trust for €160,000.
Local councillor Eugene Cassidy explained that the funding will cover the purchase of the building and they will now look at how best to develop it and improve it for community use.
A further application will be made for Town and Village funding to carry out the refurbishment works later in the year. If funding is approved, the next stage would be to go out to tender. Cllr Cassidy added that it will be two to three years before the building will be ready to open.
Welcoming the purchase of the building in a post on his Facebook page, Cllr Cassidy wrote: "I'm delighted to say that our old National school which has laid derelict for a number of years and has been an eyesore in our village is going to be transformed in to a community centre.
"It has been many years since the Nobber Amenity Park Committee came together to develop the amenity park which was a run down ugly place in the centre of our village. As a result of that, today we have a beautiful amenity area which has transformed our village. It also provides parking and a safe set down area for both our school and church.
“But unfortunately, our old derelict school has been an eyesore and a place for antisocial behaviour.
"For many years I wanted to get this school from the Diocese and I'd like to thank Meath Co Council for purchasing this school under the Derelict Site Scheme."
In the post he also said he will be writing to the Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan, asking that some of the money received from the sale be invested in the local school.
"Scoil Eoin Báiste are building a new autism class alongside the existing school which will be a fantastic addition for our community. With the growing numbers of students, the school is badly in need of an astro turf area for the children to play in a clean environment.
“This €160,000, or part of it, would go a long way to financing this badly needed facility. I will be writing to Bishop Deenihan looking for his support on this issue, after all this is their school," said Cllr Cassidy.