Construction works set to commence on Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre
By Hayden Moore
CONSTRUCTION works are set to commence at the Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre shortly and it has been described as a “necessary space” for “one of the fastest growing areas” in the county.
The renovation project to transform the former St Mary’s National School in Saggart to a community and civic centre was given the thumbs up by South Dublin County Council in June 2020.
A protected structure, the school building has been unoccupied since 2014 and will be conserved, restored and renovated ahead of the construction of a new single-storey hall at the site.
A Board of Management was established in 2020 with local residents, community groups and the council with the contract awarded to a developer in March of this year.
In a statement online, the Board confirmed that the final agreements were being finalised ahead of the commencement of construction.
“The Board of Management are happy to confirm that construction work on our new community centre looks set to commence in the coming weeks,” the statement reads.
“Legal agreements are being finalised at present and are expected to be complete in the coming weeks.
“Once complete, construction work will start shortly after.”
Following the purchasing of the lands by the council, according to a report by the county manager Daniel McLoughlin, the site was identified as an opportunity to save an “important part of the heritage of Saggart” and “link it” with the growing community.
Clondalkin Cllr Francis Timmons issued a message of support for the project online and in speaking to The Echo, was eager to see the works beginning.
“I have heard that work is commencing in the next few weeks,” Cllr Timmons says.
“It received the full backing of South Dublin County Council, and work was obviously delayed with the pandemic.
“Now it should be full steam ahead and it’s a very welcome addition to Saggart.
“Saggart is one of the fastest growing areas in South Dublin County with the level of investment in housing, but can’t put thousands of houses in and not provide adequate facilities.
“This community centre will be invaluable for the area.
“You need facilities to go along with housing because it allows you to create the necessary space for a community to grow and continue to develop, places for them to go and meet, and a community centre is a great place for that.”
According the the Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre Facebook group, they intend to open in Spring 2022.
