Why a former Tipperary Montessori could become a bible education facility
Bible and religious education may soon be taught at a former Tipperary Montessori school, under plans presented to Tipperary County Council.
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland, the Irish arm of Jehovah’s Witnesses, have applied to the local authority for planning permission to convert the former Bright Sparks Montessori in Borrisokane into a community bible educational facility.
The planning files state that the bible educational facility will be owned and run by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, and will be used for purpose of holding meetings, workshops and classes.
Minor changes will be made to the external elevations, building signage, external lighting for health and safety purposes, along with a new site entrance and the closing of existing entrances, the rearranging of the site layout to accommodate accessible and general parking spaces, the removal of temporary outbuildings and new boundary treatment to west side will all form part of the project if approved.
Planning files state that Watchtower Bible and Tract Society have entered into an agreement to purchase the property if planning permission is approved, and that it will be used “by the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses”.
The bible educational facility will join more than 90 across the island of Ireland if planning is successful.
"Classes are regularly held twice a week; one midweek and one at the weekend, each programme lasts for approx. two hours and is open to members of the public to attend.
"The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland, or the local congregations operating under its jurisdiction, do not have any employees,” the planning files say.
The local branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses has 33 people on average attending their meetings, and currently uses rented accommodation, documents lodged with Tipperary County Council show.
There is currently one objection before the council, which opposes to the development due to the lack of parking, and the implications it may have on residents in the area.
The local authority are due to make a decision on the application by August 14.