Group plans to convert former convent into sheltered housing

A voluntary organisation is set to unveil plans to convert a former convent into sheltered housing which will help fill a void in providing accommodation for older couples and single people.

Clúid Housing Association is promoting the project to convert the former Mercy Convent in Bantry into 32 two-bed apartments and eight single units.

The organisation recently acquired the property for a nominal sum from the Mercy Order.

Clúid’s regional director in Cork, Tim Porter, said his association was delighted to be able to offer older people on the local authority’s waiting list safe, secure and affordable homes.

“What is particularly fantastic about this site is that it is close to the town centre and a number of services, making it an ideal site for housing for older people. The convent itself is a listed building and this will be incorporated into the development,” Mr Porter said.

The apartments will be purpose-built to allow residents to live independently, with the help of some additional supports.

Mr Potter said all of the homes will be fully self-contained and are either own-door bungalows or apartments.

“Each sheltered housing scheme has a manager who deals with the day-to-day running of the scheme, and ensures that residents’ needs are met. A number of on-site facilities, such as a laundry, communal facilities, meeting rooms and social activities, will also be provided,” he said.

Cllr Danny Crowley (FF) said he very much welcomed news of the type of person who will be accommodated in the Clúid plan.

“It will be important to meet the needs of older and single people. There are around 100 single people on the local authority waiting list in West Cork. Some have been on the waiting list for years and the council hasn’t really addressed this issue.”

The councillor is hoping some of the two-bed apartments may be allocated to single people as well, so they would be able to have visitors stay over.

Clúid will host an public information meeting on the Bantry project on Friday, Feb 1, at the county council offices in Wolfe Tone Square from 9am to 4pm.