Vandals strike empty Bawnboy Workhouse

There has been fresh calls to revamp the former workshouse building in Bawnboy for community use following a recent attack on the premises.

Vandals gained entry to the disused workhouse and damaged property belonging to the Men’s Shed and Foróige.

The Bawnboy Workhouse Committee estimates the cost of the damage to be in the region of €5,000.

Firstly, eight windows, which had been lovingly restored by Men’s Shed volunteers, were smashed; then, when the vandals got through to the main building, they broke tools belonging to the group, wrecked the hall and toilet area and destroyed property belonging to Foróige.

Peter McKiernan of the Workhouse Committee says the wanton destruction is all the more difficult to stomach because, if either community group had been allowed to continue operating from the old building, Peter believes the vandals would have been less likely to break in.

“It’s a disaster, heartbreaking,” Peter said, “There’s no way they would’ve had the opportunity to do this damage if the groups had been allowed to stay. People would’ve been about, the place would’ve been better taken care of in general.”

He explained to the Celt how the Men’s Shed and Foróige were ordered to vacate the building by Cavan County Council who said it was unsafe.

That was over two years ago and, since then, the local authority has been seeking funding to replace the roof on the extensive property, which dates back to 1852.

“Our Men’s Shed was considered one of the best around because of the large space we had,” Peter said, “We had a great set-up with workbenches tools and power tools of all types. We had sofas, tea-making facilities and a stove, and local men would have gathered socially whenever they wanted and worked on various projects of their choice.

“Some made furniture, some restored the windows that were since damaged by the vandals,” Peter continued. “The windows were trashed. If you went out to buy those windows, I’d say they’d set you back €2,000 each. As they were, they would’ve cost about €5,000 for the men to make.”

He also said Foróige spent a considerable amount of money renovating their space, installing a new staircase and renovating the bathrooms.

The committee member says two important groups of the Bawnboy community have been left without a base since Cavan County Council told the men and youth group to vacate the premises.

“It feels like such a waste to us,” he said. “We have tried to find an alternative venue for the Men’s Shed but can’t find anywhere. The group was running for over four years, and it was a great outlet for many. Now, we haven’t seen those men for two years or more.

“In fairness to the council,” he added, “they were looking at getting funding to replace the roof and make the structure safe but that was over two years ago, and we haven’t heard anything since.”