Wall work required for 'safe environment'

An architectural appraisal in support of a plan to lower the Cross & Passion College wall and top it with railings says the work is necessary to allow the ongoing use of the school as a 'safe environment' for its pupils, writes Brian Byrne.

The appraisal was commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action in response to queries on its planning application to lower the wall from the County Conservation Officer.

Conservation architect Gabriel McGinley said in his report that the proposed works will also 'prolong the life' of the protected structure of the Cross & Passion campus.

The work will also result in the original stone exterior of the wall being restored, while the stone removed will be used on the exterior of the new 'Sacred Space' currently in construction on the school grounds.

While conservation concerns have been expressed over the planning application, the applicants are now 'very hopeful' that the project can get under way by summer.

The original wall was constructed in the late 1880s when the first phase of the Cross & Passion school was built. The current rendered facing was done in 1985.