Ireland: Salesians announce major new centre in Limerick

Keith O' Rahilly, Principal Salesian Secondary College, Fr John Horan, Rector Pallaskenry, Moss Garde, Salesians Ireland, Heather Pope, Benefact Trust, Fr Paddy Hennessy, Salesians Ireland

With excitement growing in hosting the Ryder Cup in Limerick in 12 months time, a quiet revolution in youth growth and development programs is also occurring across the West of Ireland including a 1.1 Million Euro youth and community facility is set to open on the Salesian Campus in Pallaskenry, Limerick, less than 20 minutes from Adare This follows the conversion of the former swimming pool and associated buildings building into a modern, multi-use centre. The project will support Salesian Secondary College, the Salesian Religious community's youth programmes, local residents, and community groups across the wider Limerick region.

The transformed centre will provide flexible space for school assemblies, sports and recreation, youth clubs, community meetings, and events run by the Salesians and local groups. It is designed to strengthen the campus's role as a hub for education, formation, and community life in west Limerick. The project is being delivered through a significant funding partnership, between Salesians Ireland contributing €900,000, Salesian Secondary College fundraising €100,000, and the Benefact Trust contributing €107,000, bringing the total project value to €1.1 million.

Moss Garde, CEO of Salesians Ireland, said: "This project is about more than a building. It is about creating a lasting resource that supports young people, strengthens the school, and serves the wider community in Pallaskenry and beyond. By bringing together the Salesians, the school, and Benefact Trust, we are investing in the future of Pallaskenry and the surrounding region. The new centre will enable us to expand our youth work programs, host community events, and provide high-quality facilities that were simply not possible in the old structure."

Heather Pope, Grants Officer (Ireland) at the Benefact Trust, said: "We are delighted to support this transformative project in Pallaskenry. The new youth and community centre will extend the positive impact of the Salesian campus far beyond the school gates, offering safe, welcoming space for young people and community groups across the region. This is exactly the kind of long-term, place-based investment that Benefact Trust exists to support."

The old swimming pool and facilities had been a familiar part of life at the Salesian Campus for generations. Prior to closing in 2009 due to a faulty roof, it was used by pupils and local children learning to swim, as well as for school PE and community activities. Planning permission was granted to convert the disused pool building into a new facility, recognising its potential as a community asset.

The Salesians' presence in Limerick dates back over a century. Salesians of Don Bosco purchased Copsewood House and lands in Pallaskenry in 1919, opening an agricultural college and a boys' school in 1920. The agricultural school was established to meet a national need for rural and farm education, whilst the secondary school evolved over the decades to serve day pupils and become a regional leader in areas such as science and IT. Boarding was phased out by 1995, but the campus has remained a central educational and community institution in west Limerick.

Keith O Rahilly, Principal, Salesian Secondary College, noted: "Our students and staff have watched the pool building stand unused for many years. To see it reborn as a vibrant youth and community centre is hugely exciting. It will enhance our school programme, support our partnerships with local clubs and groups, and give our young people access to modern, safe, and versatile spaces for learning, sport, and recreation."

Works to convert the former pool building are now underway, with completion and official opening to be announced in due course. Further details on programming, community access, and booking arrangements will be shared as the project nears completion.

LINKS

Salesians Ireland: www.Salesiansireland.ie

Benefact Trust: www.benefacttrust.co.uk/

Salesian College: https://salesiancollege.ie/