Go-ahead for former Ferbane convent revamp
The redevelopment of the former St Joseph of Cluny Convent in Ferbane has passed the final planning hurdle.
The project, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund with matching funding from Offaly County Council’s Local Property Tax, aims to transform the historic convent into a multi-purpose community, enterprise, and learning hub.
The development also includes an urban garden, a linear river walk, and the creation of multi-functional spaces within the convent building.
A six-week public consultation period on the proposed redevelopment of the convent concluded at the end of June during which time 21 submissions were received. Members of Offaly County Council approved the planning process for the project, having received a report on the public submissions from Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney.
Addressing the monthly meeting of Offaly County Council on Monday afternoon, the Chief Executive recommended to the elected members that the proposed development should proceed "in keeping with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area".
"There has been an overwhelming number of positive submissions for the proposed development," the Chief Executive stated.
An Síolán, the local voluntary community group working in partnership with Offaly County Council on the proposed redevelopment, has given its full support to the process.
The community group's submission noted the potential for the development to have a positive socio-economic impact on Ferbane and the wider region "for generations to come".
The chairperson of An Siolán, Brian Flynn, stated that the upgrade of the building would provide all of the essential access requirements of a modern building while "respecting the the character and unique heritage of structure from this era".
"While the refurbishment of the convent will provide much needed space and amenities to local community groups, the development of the gardens and river walk has the potential to change the landscape of the town and make this entire site a truly transformative space," Mr Flynn said.
The chairperson also paid tribute to anchor tenants St Hilda's Services and the Laois Offaly Education Training Board (LOETB) who are "central to the project".
"St Hilda's Services provide an invaluable support to the most vulnerable members of our community, while the LOETB'S involvement will ensure that the legacy of educational support that has been the hallmark of the Order's presence in Ferbane, will continue into the future," Mr Flynn said.
In her submission, Sr Maeve Guinan, Head Provincial of the St. Joseph Cluny Order in Ireland, which operated the former convent, stated that the proposed redevelopment document "evidently incorporated all the suggestions put forward by the local community".
Lending the Order's support for the convent's redevelopment, Sr Guinan noted that the convent provided second level education for young women for "over a century".
"Hundreds of women educated there were went out to found schools, clinics, hospitals and co-ops all over the world. The proposed redevelopment will continue that ethos with St Hilda's Services and the LOETB being the anchor tenants.
"As designed it should revitalise the town. The Order is proud to support this project as it stands," Sr Guinan added.
A number of community groups and sporting organisations within the local community also afforded strong support for the proposed redevelopment in their detailed submissions to Offaly County Council.
Cllr Hughie Egan stated that the redevelopment was a "welcome collaboration" between the local community and Offaly County Council.
"The St Joseph of Cluny Convent has been established in Ferbane since 1880 and there are three nuns from the Order residing in the town. The proposed redevelopment is a core opportunity for Ferbane and is a prime example of regeneration in a town. This will be a step in the right direction and will add value to the area," Cllr Egan said.
Describing the proposed redevelopment as an "exciting project", Cllr Peter Ormond paid tribute to An Síolán for sticking with the process.
"This is a modern and exciting project that will certainly deliver for the community of Ferbane and it is great to now see the redevelopment progress to the next stage," Cllr Ormond said.
Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy commended the vision of all the parties involved in the proposed redevelopment ensuring that an "iconic building" would be soon brought back to life.
"The future use of the convent is now secure. Bringing such buildings back to life is vital to the future of our towns and villages in County Offaly," Cllr Leahy said.