Demolition on the former St Paul’s school building, which has been vandalised and the scene of anti-social behaviour, will not begin until the summer, at the earliest.
Portlaoise Parish is responsible for the upkeep of the former school building in the meantime and is struggling to keep the site secure.
It had been believed that demolition and construction work would begin on the former site of the St Paul’s school shortly after it was vacated.
However, it has since emerged that this is not the case.
A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that tender documents are currently being finalised and the project will go out to tender shortly.
“The project will thereafter proceed to construction. The demolition of the former St Paul’s school will be carried out when the contractor goes on site which is expected to be in the summer,” the spokesperson said.
Monsignor Byrne PP said it had been believed that there was a sense of urgency attached to the project and that the Department was keen to get on site as soon as possible.
In the meantime, responsibility for the old school building on the Borris Road remains with the local parish.
“We have attempted to keep it boarded up and keep the building protected, but it has just gone beyond us.
“There have been incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The gardaí and the fire service were called there. I am afraid what might happen in a building where there is broken glass,” he said.
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