Sir, – St Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys, Cabra, Dublin 7 is a Victorian four-storey building with Tudor character, which was constructed in 1856. It was designed by architect Charles Geoghegan, who designed a number of notable buildings including Jervis Street Hospital and St Mary’s Church (Haddington Street). St Joseph’s School was originally built to accommodate 100 deaf pupils, by Beardwood Company.
Deaf Heritage Centre (DHC) is very concerned about the imminent demolition of the frontal part of St Joseph’s School, which is a familiar landmark of Cabra. DHC was set up in 1999 by a group of interested deaf past-pupils to collect, preserve and promote the chequered and colourful history of St Joseph’s, which is the core part of history of the deaf community.
St Joseph’s is now in its 154th year. Students came from all parts of Ireland, North and South, due to its unique nature as a Catholic deaf school. It was run by the Christian Brothers and students were taught by deaf teachers and Christian Brothers. In all, approximately 20,000 deaf boys have been educated there.
It is owned by the Catholic Institute for Deaf People (CIDP), but it is morally owned by the deaf, who in the past fund-raised for the continuation, extension and maintenance of the building. Deaf pupils learned tailoring, harnessing and shoe-making, which enabled them to find employment after leaving school.
In 1905 St Joseph’s was almost closed down due to lack of funds but the Provincial Superior of Christian Brothers congregation rescued it by visiting and lobbying MPs in Westminster parliament. They agreed to provide financial support until the Irish government took up control in 1922 when Ireland became independent. Several distinguished people, including William Cosgrave, Éamon de Valera, Seán T O’Kelly, Alfie Byrne (Lord Mayor of Dublin) and Archbishop of Dublin John Charles McQuaid visited St Joseph’s.
DHC is concerned that the history of St Joseph’s may be lost by the demolition, which is being carried out in order to pave the way for the development of St Joseph’s campus for the new National Deaf Centre. It is being initiated by the CIDP on the recommendation of the Project Development Committee. Deaf Heritage Centre was not involved in this process. DHC has been unsuccessful with its three-year campaign for the retention of the old building in the context of the National Deaf Centre development.
However, it has reluctantly agreed to partial retention of the chapel wing of the building, which will house the deaf museum.
DHC is very disappointed with Dublin City Council for granting permission to develop St Joseph’s campus, including the demolition of the main frontal part of building. St Joseph’s was apparently described to be in a poor state. However, DHC felt the whole building could be reconstructed without the need for demolition.
The builders (Sisk + Co) are currently taking over the site and will commence the site-works including demolition of the main building. The building of a new National Deaf Centre will include a sports centre, social club, administration offices, lifelong learning centre and museum.
Recently DHC organised two tours of St Joseph’s to highlight the end of an era. Both were attended by over 300 past-pupils and interested visitors. It was an emotional day for many past-pupils. Deaf protesters during the tours held banners asking for support to save the school. Its history has proved to be a guardian of Irish Sign Language, challenging the infamous Milan Congress 1880 which advocated oralism and banned sign language and deaf teachers in schools for the deaf around the world, except Cabra. As a result of this, deaf children and adults suffered for many decades.
It appears CIPD want to use the building for a new development project which it considers would be more suitable for the community area in Cabra. This would not be suitable for the deaf community. – Yours, etc,