Close a school, close a historical chapter

national | history and heritage | news report Wednesday April 26, 2006 19:45 by Dole

Closure of St. Michael's CBS

St. Michael's primary school is to close this coming June. Apart from the obvious educational concerns, What of it's historical significance?

Formally Richmond Barracks, St. Michaels C.B.S is the site where some of those who took part in the 1916 rising were held, before being led to Kilmainham jail for execution.

The shock announcement of the closure, resulted in today’s protests by residents/parents concerned about their children’s education.
It is believed that the land will become apartments, although their is no plan being made public, other than the closure itself at this stage.

Why during a time when this government is flag waving and commemorating those who took part in 1916, are they (Hanafin and company), not stepping in to save this historical landmark?
This is even apart from the more immediate issue of where the pupils are going to get school placements for the coming term at such short notice.

When I attended St. Michael's C.B.S, the historical background of the buildings was drummed into us. Why now that they wish to sell those very buildings and land is it not being mentioned at all?