Lismullen School should not be knocked

Dear sir - It has recently been announced that Lismullen is to get a new national school. With the ever increasing population in the area, it was obvious that something needed to be done. The present school has served the local area since 1957 when it replaced the original school which was situated on the banks of the little River Gabhra at a place called Dillon's Bridge' at the foot of the now disappeared Soldier Hill. As a result of the announcement it is most likely that the present school will demolished to make way for the new structure. Is this really necessary? The present school like many thousands like it around the country have character and charm about them. You knew immediately when you saw them that they were schools, not like the monstrosities that are being built to replace them. In these recessionary times is it absolutely necessary to demolish a school which has served the locality well for over fifty years? The fees alone for architects would run in to thousands of euro. Surely with careful planning and good architectural practice the present school could be extended and improved while retaining its character and originality. The savings achieved could be used for some other deserving community project while at the same time giving the children of the locality a better and more modern school. Yours, Jimmy Rafter, Hill of Tara.