Works resume at Kilkenny school following discovery by archaeology team

Works have re-commenced on a modular build at the Mother of Fair School on James' Street in Kilkenny City following a brief delay due to the discovery of historical remains.

The school was originally established by Bishop Birch back in 1966 and currently caters for students aged 4-18 with mild learning disabilities.

In 2023, the school was granted permission to conduct a modular build on the site with the school striving to adequately cater for its students despite space limitations.

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However, in a surprising turn of events, the remnants of the 1770s Cathedral campus were discovered with an archaeology team on site.

The area is understood to have housed the former Bishop’s Palace right up to Dr Collier’s time as Bishop of Ossory.

"Obviously, everything had to be halted but the archaeological team was actually here already, because we’re in an area of such historic importance," Principal Mary Cody explained.

"It was always possible (to find historical material) but there would have been temporary buildings there before and previous buildings to the Mother of Fair Love,” she said, adding, “it is has been looked at now and a report has been sent to the National Monuments."

Construction on the modular builds have resumed and are expected to be completed by mid-November.

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