Ferbane group hails 'exciting' potential of convent revamp
The community group An Síolán Ferbane has described the recently-approved redevelopment of the former St Joseph of Cluny Convent in Ferbane as "an exciting and potentially transforming" project for the town and community.
Last week we reported that the project, which was devised by Offaly County Council in conjunction with An Síolán and The Order of St Joseph of Cluny, had cleared the planning process.
The aim of the development is to provide a state of the art multi-functional facility that will become a hub for a wide range of educational and community activity. The creation of a public garden and a river walk will also greatly enhance the recreational amenities in the town.
St Hilda’s Services, which currently provide 5-day support for adults with special needs in the Mary Ward Heritage Centre in Ferbane, will be one of the anchor tenants in the redeveloped building, while Laois Offaly Education & Training Board will also have a presence.
A statement issued this week by An Síolán chairperson Brian Flynn said "a great debt is due" to the three remaining members of the Sisters of St Joseph community, Sr Benedict, Sr Helena and Sr Joseph, for their support for the project.
"We are also very grateful for the support of Sr Maeve Guinan, Head for the Order in Ireland, for her commitment to the project and for making the transfer of the building possible," it said.
"With the planning and design phase of the project complete, Offaly (County Council)will be applying to the Rural Regeneration Fund for the development costs of the project whenever the next round of funding is announced.
"Given the urgent need for economic development in the West Offaly region following the job losses in ESB and BNM, we believe this project deserves widespread political support to ensure the funding application is successful and go somewhat to addressing the uneven distribution of Just Transition funding to the areas most affected.
"Hopefully, when funding is secured to proceed with he next phase of the project, An Síolán and the local authority will continue to ensure that suggestions and input from the community are fed into the process.
"We will engage with residents and near neighbours to ensure that reconstruction works occur with as little disruption as possible."
The group also acknowledged this support of individuals sich as former public representative Eamon Dooley, for initiating the process which secured the facility for this community project, and Cllr Hughie Egan for his ongoing support.
"Anna Marie Delaney, chief executive of Offaly County Council, and Ann Dillon, Director of the Birr Municipal District, have been enthusiastic supporters of the project and place a great emphasis on genuine community development.
"Olwen Cummins and her Town Regeneration Team have driven the project from the start and have always provided excellent support and advice along the journey, particularly during interactions with the architect design team at Kenny Lyons Associates.
"Finally, we thank the hundreds of people from the community who have made submissions and given feedback to the process since we commenced public consultations.
"Your vision for the building and gardens have brought us to this point and we look forward to continuing the journey together to create a wonderful facility for future generations," the An Síolán statement concluded.