Significant development proposed for Longford’s St Mel's

The board of management for one of the largest schools in Longford - St Mel’s College - have sought planning permission to conserve and upgrade the 160 year old school building, its chapel, and its 110 year old study hall - all protected structures - as plans are set in motion to accommodate the 2027 amalgamation of St Mel's with Meán Scoil Mhuire. 

St Mel's, which currently has 603 pupils, will see its student population increase to approximately 1,200 once the amalgamation is complete and it becomes known as Coláiste Mel agus Mhuire.

Given the increase in numbers, a variety of improvements to the historic building are vital.    

In addition to the proposed conservation and upgrade of the building, the recently lodged planning application also outlines plans to demolish a number of extensions built in the 1930’s and 1960’s, namely the single-storey, two-storey and four-storey rear extensions.  

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Following the proposed demolition, it is hoped works can then commence to “make good the exposed fabric of the 1865 building.”

No doubt with the amalgamation in mind, plans also include internal alterations to the school building, namely the installation of a passenger lift, the provision of additional reconfiguration of classrooms, ancillary rooms (i.e. general rooms that support that primary purpose of the school), circulation routes, provision of additional sanitary facilities, as well as fire safety improvements.  

External alterations proposed for the school building include the replacement of aluminium windows with timber sash windows matching historic configurations as well as the construction of steps and ramps at the front and side entrances. 

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The installation of two fire doors and a draught lobby, the latter of which will somewhat act as an architectural cushion between the inside and out so as to reduce heat loss, are proposed for the study hall.  

The planning application also outlines plans for the construction of a new single-storey boiler house that will serve the school building, the chapel, and the study hall. If given the go-ahead, the existing oil-fired heating system will be replaced with a new detached plant room containing a wood chip fired system that is supplemented by a backup gas boiler. 

The development proposed for retention permission is the external ramp and steps that provide access at the main entrance of the study hall building. 

A decision on the application is expected to be made by November 27.

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