Meath’s old classical school restoration set to begin
The long-awaited restoration of the old classical school in Meath has taken a major step forward.
Work on the restoration of the Old St Patrick's Classical School in Navan is expected to begin either by the end of this year or early in 2026.
Consultant architects engaged on the project are finalising tender documents, and Meath County Council has confirmed its intention to complete the procurement process and appoint a contractor before year’s end.
In response to a question from Fine Gael councillor John Duffy at a recent meeting of the Navan Municipal District, officials indicated that mobilisation on site would likely take place late this year or in early 2026.
The project is part of a transformative urban regeneration plan for the heart of Navan, with the restoration and conservation works designed to adapt the building for re-use as a county archive.
The Old St Patrick’s site, also known as St Finian's Seminary Study Hall, was once central to education in Navan and holds a history dating back to 1802 when it was founded by Bishop Patrick Joseph Plunkett.
In the mid-19th century, the distinctive elliptical Study Hall—locally referred to as “Power’s Duck Egg”—was added, quickly becoming a landmark structure.
The site later became home to St Patrick’s Classical School in 1930, which remained there until relocating to a modern campus in 1970. Since then, the building has fallen into disrepair, with the roof collapsing in 2021 and sparking fears the historic site could be lost.
Now protected as a heritage structure, St Finian’s has been earmarked for transformation into a cultural and community hub.
Cllr Duffy welcomed the progress, saying: "The work will make a fine job in that area, it will be great to see it going ahead. It will become the cultural centre of Navan with the library, Solstice and now the archive and museum.
"I welcome it and look forward to it happening. This will be a great addition to our town when completed,” he added.