“To those engaged in causing damage at the site, I am asking that you stop. Please consider the wider impact of your actions”
Members of the community in part of Co Armagh are being urged to help protect a site identified for development of a new special education campus from vandals.
The former St Ronan’s site on Waring Street/Edward Street in Lurgan is expected to become a dual campus for Ceara Special School, and has been identified to address the growing demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in the area. However, concerns have been raised about potential damage or vandalism that could jeopardise the development timeline.
A planning application has been submitted and, subject to sufficient capital funding being secured for the education sector, the first phase of the development is scheduled to open in September 2026.
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Both the Education Authority and the Dromore Diocesan Education Trust, who own the site, have warned that any damage or anti-social behaviour at the site could delay this important project and prevent vulnerable children from accessing the specialist education they need within their local community.
Father Colm Murphy, on behalf of the Trust said: “This site represents a vital opportunity to enhance SEN provision for children and young people in the Lurgan area. We are appealing to everyone in the community to respect the site and report any concerns about unauthorised access or anti-social behaviour.
“By working together to protect this facility, we can ensure that our children and young people with Special Educational Needs will benefit from this important development as soon as possible.”
Chief Operations Officer Dale Hanna, on behalf of the EA, said: “We continue to face significant pressure in securing appropriate placements for children with statements of Special Educational Needs, and the proposed development at the former St Ronan’s site is part of our comprehensive response to this challenge.
“It is vital that the local community helps us to safeguard this site during the development phase. Any damage or vandalism will cause unnecessary delays and prevent children from receiving the specialist support they desperately need. We are asking everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the PSNI immediately.”
Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Nick Woods said: “Local police are acutely aware of ongoing instances of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour at the former St Ronan’s site and have been implementing proactive patrols in the area to both deter such activity and detect any crimes in progress.
“The proposed provision of the dual campus is a positive step for the local community and, as a community police service, we want to support efforts to keep the site secure so it can be developed into this much needed resource for local families.
“To those engaged in causing damage at the site, I am asking that you stop. Please consider the wider impact of your actions – you could well be jeopardising the timely development of the site and subsequently impacting on the delivery of the planned services for local children.
“Please don’t get involved in anti-social behaviour and help us keep this area safe and thriving for our local community.”
The proposed development will complement Ceara Special School’s existing building, located just 0.3 miles away, creating an enhanced dual campus model to better serve the community. The vision is that this site will grow over time to accommodate additional pupils from the surrounding area and support their individual needs.
Members of the public are asked to report any concerns about unauthorised access or anti-social behaviour to the PSNI on 101.
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