School transformation into civic space project gets underway
THE development of the Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre is well underway, after work commenced on the site last week.
The project will see the transformation of the old St Mary’s National School building in Saggart into a community centre and civic space.
Plans for the community space got the green light in June 2021, and the works by South Dublin County Council will include the conservation, restoration and renovation of the school.
The former St Mary’s National School building has been unoccupied since 2014 and is listed as a Protected Structure.
The project includes the demolition of the rear north section of the St Mary’s National School building to accommodate a new entrance.
Plans for the building include a new single-storey, multi-function hall, and a new glazed entrance, reception and youth café area.
Welcoming the progression of the Saggart School Schoolhouse Community Centre project, local Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins said: “This is a really big day for Saggart with work now underway for a much-needed community centre at the old schoolhouse.
“And I want to wish a massive congratulations to the community, led by the Saggart Village Residents’ Association, who have so passionately campaigned for the Council to purchase this building.
“This community centre is going to be a massive asset to the community and, importantly, the history and heritage of Saggart is being represented on the site of the old schoolhouse while also being merged with a brand new, state-of-the-art building.
“As a councillor, I was delighted to help secure funding to transform this site into a much-needed community centre. Cllr Shirley O’Hara and I will continue to work with the Council to ensure it’s delivered as soon as possible because that’s what the people of Saggart want.”
During the public consultation period in February to April 2020, the Board of Management of the Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre welcomed the plans for the proposed centre, which they said will be a “well-blended mixture of traditional with modern”.
