Revamped Ferbane convent 'can serve community for generations'

The chairman of a voluntary community group in Ferbane has expressed the hope that the former St Joseph of Cluny Convent will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Chair of An Síolán Brian Flynn was speaking as the planning process for the proposed redevelopment of the convent, pursued by An Síolán in partnership with Offaly County Council got underway.

The project, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund with match funding from Offaly County Council’s Local Property Tax, aims to transform the historic convent into a multipurpose community, enterprise, and learning hub.

Since securing funding in 2021, significant progress has been made.

The Part 8 Planning process, by which a public body seeks to consult with the public on one of its own proposals, was initiated on May 14.

Mr Flynn said: “If we are successful with the planning and the Rural Regeneration funding application, the former St Joseph of Cluny Convent will continue to serve the community for generations to come. We are also grateful to all in the Regeneration Team of the Local Authority and everyone who has contributed to bringing the project this far.”

The development proposal includes an urban garden, a linear river walk, and multifunctional spaces within the convent building