School teachers seek to use former health centre site in Cliffoney as car park

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The long-term future of the Cliffoney Health Care Centre site was raised by Cllr Marie Casserly at the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

She also requested that Cliffoney National School staff be granted temporary permission to use the car park adjacent to the school, located on the old health centre site.

The school sits directly on the N15 national primary route, where there is limited safe parking and no pedestrian crossing. Increased enrolment in recent years has further exacerbated traffic congestion and safety concerns for pupils, parents and staff.

Cllr Casserly highlighted that the school is landlocked on a busy national primary road, and that the former Health Centre site may represent a viable option for a future school extension should the HSE consider leasing or selling the property to the Department of Education.

In reply to the questions raised Cllr Casserly was informed that “Primary Care Services confirmed in November 2024 that the Cliffoney Health Centre was surplus to requirements, following the relocation of all services to the recently completed Primary Care Centre in Grange.

“In accordance with the HSE Property Protocol and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Circular 11/15 (Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets), the property was listed as surplus on the Office of Public Works Property Mapping Register Viewer on November 14, 2024. The building was made available for acquisition by other State bodies, including the Local Authority, but no State entity expressed interest.

“The HSE subsequently progressed toward disposal of the property on the open market in line with Circular 17/16 (Policy for Property Acquisition and Disposal of Surplus Property) and the HSE Property Protocol. During this process, title-related issues arose, resulting in the suspension of the sale.”

The HSE has advised that it is currently reviewing the long-term future of the site. Upon completion of this review, the HSE will engage with relevant external stakeholders to communicate the outcome.

Cllr Casserly has requested to be kept updated on the review process and has emphasised the importance of continued engagement between all stakeholders, including the HSE, the Department of Education, local authorities and the school community.

She stated that ongoing cooperation is essential to secure a positive outcome for the people of Cliffoney and to ensure the long-term safety and wellbeing of students and families in the village.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.