New social housing scheme in former West Cork convent like 'landing in heaven'

Scheme comprising 18 homes in Bantry’s 160-year-old former Mercy Convent and school opens after buildings had lain vacant for years

Residents Paul Barry and Paul Hanley at the opening of 18 social homes in Bantry. Picture: CorporatePhotographersDublin.ie

A man who has moved from emergency accommodation into a new social housing scheme which has been developed in a regenerated former convent and schoolhouse in West Cork says he feels like he has “landed in heaven”.

Paul Barry was speaking as the new 18-home scheme in Bantry’s 160-year-old former Mercy Convent and school was officially opened on Thursday. The buildings have lain vacant for years.