Progressive Mayo community centre secures approval to serve as polling station

A local campaign for "common sense in polling station selection" has paid off in Ardagh.

Following a recent appeal from Ardagh Community Centre urging authorities to consider alternative venues to schools for the upcoming Presidential Election on October 24, the centre has now been officially approved as a polling station.

The decision comes after what organisers described as “positive discussions” with Returning Officer Dr. Ann Marie Courell and the Department of Local Government.

Dermot O’Boyle of Ardagh Community Centre, who led the initiative, said the community centre committee is “thrilled” with the outcome.

“This is a great opportunity to show that community venues like ours can work really well for voting while keeping schools open at the same time,” he said. “We hope this can set a trend for using alternative venues as polling stations in future elections.”

In an earlier statement, the centre had called the practice of closing schools for polling “outdated and disruptive”, noting the difficulties it can create for parents through added childcare costs or time off work.

Mr O’Boyle highlighted the centre’s facilities, including fibre broadband, ample parking, full accessibility, and proximity to local schools as proof that community centres can provide better facilities than most national schools in the county.

The development could pave the way for a pilot programme in future elections, showcasing how community venues can serve civic purposes while minimising disruption to students and teachers.

The Presidential Election takes place nationwide on Friday, October 24.