New social housing scheme in former West Cork convent like 'landing in heaven'
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.
“Before moving into my new home in the Bantry Convent, I was living in emergency accommodation for seven months,” he said.
“This was a very difficult time in my life, a time when I was really struggling.
However, all has changed since I got the keys to my new home, and I feel like I have landed in heaven. I love my new home and I couldn’t ask for more.
“There is a nice little community emerging in the old convent and it’s lovely to be a part of it.
“I am very grateful to Clúid for providing me with this opportunity and I hope to be living in the old schoolhouse for many years to come.”
The Sisters of Mercy formally handed over the keys to the convent site to Clúid Housing for social housing in 2013, and there has been criticism over the years over the slow progress in delivering the housing project.
All that was forgotten on Thursday when Clúid officially opened the 10 one- and two-bed homes that have been developed in the converted convent and cookery school buildings, and the eight new-build single-storey homes built elsewhere on the site.
The homes are A-rated, and many retain some of the unique features of the original buildings, including arched sash windows and high ceilings.
The project has also stabilised and preserved the convent’s historic chapel for future use.
Clúid Housing’s chief commercial officer Eibhlin O’Connor said it was wonderful to see the historic site bustling with life again.
“Our decades of experience were certainly called upon for this project," she said.
“It has been a labour of love, complete with challenges and setbacks, so it’s fantastic to be here celebrating its official opening.
“The work done by the team in Clúid, and our expert partners, has preserved the historic buildings and provided 18 high-quality, secure homes that will benefit the community of Bantry for generations to come.
“We thank Cork County Council for trusting us with a site of such great significance, and hope that your trust has been repaid.”
Cllr Danny Collins, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, said it was great to see such a prominent historical vacant building being brought back into use.
“These much-needed homes will help to meet social housing needs locally for older members of our community," he said.
“The development will contribute positively to the vibrant and welcoming community of Bantry and will allow older people to live in their own area and enjoy a high quality of life through established connections with the community.”
The homes were funded by the Department for Housing under a scheme administered by Cork County Council to provide secure, affordable homes for people on the county’s housing list.
The project involved Cluid’s in-house team working with the main contractor, Cork-based Cahalane Brothers, the enabling works contractor, Cetti Building Contractors Ltd, JCA Architects, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Delap & Waller, KSNPM, MACC Consultants, and PJ Barrett & Co.
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