Experts seek to make former convent site safe

Experts are drafting plans to make safe a listed former convent gutted by fire this week.

KPMG, which is responsible for the former Good Shepherd site on the northside of Cork city, have appointed an engineering firm and architects with expertise in conservation, to draw up proposals for how the unstable building will be made safe and secured.

They will also set out how rubble created by the fire will be dealt with amid fears it may contain hazardous asbestos. It is understood engineers and architects will hold preliminary talks with city council officials next week. But given the building’s protected status, any proposals will have to be signed off by City Hall.