Plan to turn former Cork convent into social housing

Plans to turn former convent buildings into social housing have been thrown a lifeline after the Department of the Environment agreed to fund a feasibility study.

Cork County Council officials had made the project in Bantry a priority some years ago, in association with the voluntary housing body Cluid.

However, in April 2015 the department refused to fund the conversion of the former Sisters of Mercy-owned convent church, living quarters, and outbuildings.