St. Assam's Church

The Parish of Raheny was erected in the 12th century, not later than 1152, probably initially in the Archdiocese of Glendalough and then in the Fingal Deanery of the Diocese of Dublin, and almost certainly had had a church for many years by then.

Following years of restrictions, Roman Catholics gradually began to rebuild parochial structures and church facilities across Ireland from the early-mid 19th century.

The church was officially opened in 1864 by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Cullen, with a gala reception at a local "big house", Raheny Park, afterwards.

Regular worship ceased when the massive Church of Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace was built across the Howth Road.

Still owned by the Parish, still consecrated, and occasionally used for full-scale worship until the early 1970s, the church continued in use for many years, accommodating meetings, and activities for children and teenagers.

Mid-2008, all usage of the facility ceased, after it was determined that considerable, and costly, work would be required to bring it up to modern building and safety standards.

The sale was conditional on the Credit Union securing permission for the redevelopment, which would respect the former church's history and protected status.

A side letter to the sale agreement allowed the Credit Union to erect and use a prefabricated building at the back of the main church car park, to be removed once the new offices are open.