Former convent in state of disrepair to be made safe

A former convent, once earmarked for a multi-million euro development and which has now fallen into disrepair, is to be made safe.

Cork County Council is to seek an order under the Derelict Sites Act to tackle the site, which is a setting for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, according to some local councillors.

Six years ago county councillors voted unanimously to adopt a Material Contravention of the County Development Plan to allow Irish & European Properties Ltd redevelop the former Presentation Convent in Mitchelstown.

The developer’s plans included converting the building into a 155-seat underground cinema and conference centres, offices, shops, creche, community centre and 52 apartments.

At the time the council’s senior planner, Bob Gunkel, said that in his opinion the project would provide the Mitchelstown with “a modern social, cultural and entertainment centre”.

However, to date no work has been carried out on the building and according to councillors some of it is in a dangerous condition and falling prey to vandals and antisocial behaviouron an almost nightly basis.

A meeting of the council’s Northern Division in Mallow was told by local FF councillors Kevin O’Keeffe and Frank O’Flynn that it was imperative that council officials took swift action to prevent a serious accident at the site.

Assistant county manager, Moira Murrell, who is the most senior council official in North Cork, said she was “taking a very serious view” of the situation.

Council officials have confirmed that they are seeking to impose a legal sanction under Derelict Sites Act (1990).

However, the situation is complicated because Irish European Properties Ltd has gone into receivership.

But officials said yesterday that they are making progress and expect to send out notices under the act in the coming days.

The council is now focusing on the receiver, an unnamed individual and Irish and European Properties Ltd.

“Under the Derelict Sites Act we can direct what works needs to be done to ensure it’s not a derelict site,” a council spokesman said.

If the notices are ignored the council can get a court order requiring the work to be carried out.