DCU purchases All Hallows site
Following a competitive tender process, Dublin City University has signed preliminary contracts with All Hallows College to purchase the 6.74 hectare site in Drumcondra and the process will now move towards completion. This agreement will secure the educational mission of the campus and facilitate existing students in the completion of their studies.
Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU said,
"DCU welcomes this unique opportunity to preserve the All Hallows Campus as an educational facility and to continue its long and distinguished history in education and social justice. The 'DCU All Hallows Campus', as it will be known, located only 300m from the St. Patrick's Campus in Drumcondra, will form an integral component of the 'new DCU' following the incorporation of St. Patrick's College Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education and the Church of Ireland College of Education in 2016. It will provide the University with additional space and facilities to allow DCU to respond to the growing demand for its programmes. We will continue to work closely with the Board of Trustees and the staff of the College to ensure that existing All Hallows students can complete their degree programmes as part of the College's wind-down activities over the next 18 months."
In May 2014 the Board of Trustees of All Hallows College commenced an orderly and managed wind-down of the College’s academic operations.
Dr Patrick McDevitt, CM, President of All Hallows College said:
‘We are pleased that discussions between All Hallows and Dublin City University have come to a successful conclusion to the satisfaction of both parties. Obviously, as a linked college of DCU, we have worked closely together since 2004 and we have every confidence that the university has an understanding and respect for our heritage and legacy.’
He continued, ‘We are very proud of the All Hallows legacy – this college has educated generations of students to be effective leaders engaged in justice and service, serving communities in every corner of the world since 1842. Whilst it is sad that a Catholic, Vincentian institution with such a rich history must wind down, there is much to be proud of and to celebrate in the many years of service for this beautiful and historical college.’
The All Hallows campus comprises approximately 6.74 hectares (16.66 acres) and contains over 12,000 Sq.m (130,000 sq. ft.) of accommodation. Drumcondra House is widely credited as amongst the finest examples of early Irish Georgian style.