€2.6m conversion for convent

A FORMER convent, which has stood derelict in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, for years and has become a blackspot for anti-social behaviour, is to be converted into a community building.

The €2.6 million building will incorporate a daycare centre for the elderly, a childcare centre, and facilities for local Boy Scouts.

Town clerk Joe O’Flaherty said: “We have been trying to source funding for the past 18 months, and we have raised €1.6m.”

He told town councillors that unless they proceed with the project soon a e1m grant from the Department of Justice could be in serious jeopardy. To avoid that, he said, it was proposed to divert e1m from the sale of council land to make up the shortfall.