‘Mindless’ damage to St Johnston building planned for youth drop-in

Vandals have caused damage to a building in St Johnston which is to be used as a youth drop-in centre. 

Criminal damage has been caused at the old community playgroup building at Church Lane recently. 

The building, located at the rear of St Baithin’s NS, belongs to the local parish. 

The building served as the local playgroup until the opening of the St Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre in 2000.

The FRC still oversees the building, which is still used by local community-based groups. 

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The FRC have planned to develop the playgroup building into a drop-in. 

Twice in the last six weeks, the back door of the building has been kicked in. 

“Unfortunately we can't move on this project until this behaviour stops,” a spokesperson said.

“The door is so badly damaged that it needs to be replaced. We can't afford to continue to do this and are worried the same thing will happen again.”

An Garda Síochana have been made aware of the incidents and have been checking the building regularly. 

 The spokesperson said: “Many people will have fond memories of the original pre-school playgroup which was run by local people in this building.  

“We would appreciate the Community's support to stop this mindless criminal damage so that we can get back to the business of planning the use of this valuable community asset.”