Former Athlone secondary school could accommodate Ukrainian arrivals

A former secondary school in Athlone is being considered for use in providing accommodation to people fleeing the war in Ukraine, it has been confirmed.

The former St Aloysius College, on the west side of town, is currently "under consideration" for the accommodation use, after it was offered to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for this purpose.

In reponse to a query from the Westmeath Independent, a spokesperson for the Department said it had "received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at St Aloysius College, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

"The offer is under consideration; therefore, no further information can be provided at this time," the spokesperson said this afternoon (Wednesday).

St Aloysius College closed in 2017 when the school amalgamated with St Joseph's College in Summerhill, leading to the creation of Coláiste Chiaráin on the Summerhill site.

Established in 1960, the school provided second-level education for boys. In 2021, the school complex, on a 5.9 acre site, was advertised for sale on behalf of the Diocese of Elphin.