Mayo TD “deeply shocked” by Belmullet chapel vandalism

Aontú TD Paul Lawless has condemned the vandalism of the convent and chapel at Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet, and offered his help with restoration.

Deputy Lawless said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by what he called the “appalling vandalism and desecration” of the buildings.

Sacred images, religious artefacts, stained-glass windows and furnishings were damaged.

Deputy Lawless said the destruction was “particularly distressing”.

“This is not merely damage to a building, but a profound violation of a place of prayer, faith and cherished memories for generations of families throughout Erris,” he said.

He said his thoughts were with school principal Edmund Holmes, the staff, students, past pupils and the religious sisters whose legacy is closely linked to the chapel.

Deputy Lawless urged anyone with information, “however seemingly insignificant”, to contact An Garda Síochána.

“Those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.

He said he will contact the school authorities to offer assistance as a TD.

This includes supporting efforts to establish what help may be available to restore and protect the chapel.

“The people of Belmullet and Erris deserve answers, and I sincerely hope those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.

Mr Holmes appealed to the public for information after returning to work and finding the damage.