The need for somebody to take responsibility for the former Kildalkey National School building has been reiterated after statements from the Dept of Education and the Diocese of Meath appear to be at odds with each other.
In an article in the Meath Chronicle two weeks ago, the poor state of the former school which has been derelict for several years was highlighted and concerns were raised after a fire at the property over Halloween.
Local councillors have also asked that Meath Co Council look at issuing a derelict site notice for the property.
When contacted at that time, St Finian's Diocesan Trust responded that the Minister for Education holds a Leasehold interest over the property which they had been endeavouring to have released for some time and consequently they could make no decisions about the future of the property until the Minister’s interest in the property is released.
However, the Department of Education's response, which was received after the article had gone to print, claimed its leasehold interest ended in September and stated that queries in relation to the building should be directed to the owner.
When asked to clarify, a spokesperson for the St Finian's Diocesan Trust said they had been trying to have the property released since February 2021 and they could now confirm that most of the documentation was received at their solicitor’s office at the end of September 2024 but that one document remains outstanding.
"We are now engaging with Tailte Eireann in relation to registration of the paperwork and we are already in contact with the Parish Finance Committee in relation to the building. It is unfortunate that the Department of Education and Chief State Solicitor’s Offices took over three and a half years to send on the paperwork. These timelines are a financial burden on the Parish and Diocese," the statement added.
Craig Ryan who runs a cafe across the road from the building and highlighted the derelict state of the property said: "The song remains the same. We want somebody to take responsibility and see what is going to be done next because it can't be left like that."