Old Trim school ‘could be used for housing’

Cllr Noel French calling for action on building left lying idle for the last 14 years

Trim councillor Noel French has called on Meath County Council to carry out a feasibility study into acquiring the old school on Patrick Street with a view to turning it into some sort of housing, saying the site would ideally suit people who are in need of protected housing such as the elderly or those with challenges.

"The Department of Education seems to have ruled out any interest in the building. In 2022, the Council wrote to the Department of Education about the school. The Department said it is considering the position in relation to this property and a decision is expected to be confirmed shortly. My understanding is that a decision has now been reached and the Department are no longer interested in the building," said Cllr French.

"The school building has been lying vacant for 14 years. I have been raising the issue for many years. It is a protected structure, but will become completely derelict if something isn't done with it.”

Cllr French said a new scheme was recently launched by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Kieran O’Donnell TD called THRIVE which is the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme and offers local authorities up to €7m to renovate disused heritage buildings in cities, regional growth centres and key towns.

"It is a disgrace," said Cllr French. The building is nearing dereliction. This premises is being let be to sit and decay when it could be used for many different purposes.”

Cllr French raised the issue at last week's Trim MD meeting and was told that some preliminary discussions had taken place between the council and the Dept of Education on the building and that councillors would be updated as soon as the council had any more information.