Fears have been expressed about the future development of Cork’s historic Elizabeth Fort as a tourism asset following confirmation that funding is being prioritised in the Shandon area.

A €10m heritage and visitor centre which will transform the site of education pioneer Nano Nagle’s first convent has been given the green light.

An Irish religious order will unveil a €10m plan today to preserve its first convent — founded in Cork in the 18th century — and develop it as a heritage and visitor centre.