Disagreement over future of old St Joseph’s
A suggestion made by Deputy Michael D’Arcy in last week’s Guardian that the former St Joseph’s NS on Wexford Street in Gorey should be demolished for parking has been criticised by two local councillors.
Cllr Malcolm Byrne said it’s hoped the building could be used for educational, artistic and cultural purposes, while Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said there was enough parking nearby already.
‘As councillors, we have zoned the land for educational purposes and it should be used for that,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘We need to have facilities in the heart of town that can be used for training or as cultural spaces and this was always the desire for St Joseph’s. Yes, the building needs to be renovated and I understand that the parish of St Michael’s as owners are in talks to try secure its use for educational purposes.’
‘I am not opposed to the council looking to acquire the site if it continues to be left in the appalling state to which it has currently deteriorated, however,’ he continued.
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin also disagreed with Deputy D’Arcy. ‘With more than 3,200 parking spaces in various private and public parking areas in close proximity to the Main Street already, Deputy D’Arcy’s suggestion wouldn’t be top priority,’ he said. ‘What we do urgently need is a central public space for educational, arts and cultural facilities. This is what I will be proposing for the CBS site when District councillors hold a consultation meeting with the Arts Office on Tuesday.’