Former Gaelscoil building in Knocknacarra targeted by vandals

Galway City Tribune – A local councillor is calling for immediate action to be taken to stop vandalism at the former Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh building in Knocknacarra.

The building has been vacant since the school moved to its new premises off the Western Distributor Road – with its old site on the Cappagh Road mooted as a new premises for the Educate Together National School.

Independent councillor Donal Lyons said that since the premises was vacated, a number of instances of anti-social behaviour have started to impact the condition of the building – sparking concerns that the building could be severely damaged.

“Over the last couple of weeks, I have received a number of representations concerning anti-social behaviour in and around the old school building with the breaking of windows at the school and windows also broken in the prefabs which are also located on the site.

“I contacted the Department of Education with a view to having them immediately to secure the building so that no further damage could be caused – I am still awaiting a reply from them to my concerns,” said Cllr Lyons.

Before the new Gaelscoil was built, there was a feeling that the site would be ideal for Educate Together which has been located in temporary accommodation close to the RSA building in the Gateway Retail Park since it opened in September, 2014.
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