Calls for Cork diocese to gift bishop’s palace to the city instead of selling it

Bishop Fintan Gavin said the property, which hasn’t been used as a residence for over 20 years, is no longer fit for purpose

The Diocesan Office off Redemption Road, near Farranferris, Cork. Picture: David Creedon

The Bishop of Cork and Ross is facing calls to gift the former bishop’s palace and diocesan headquarters to the city instead of selling it.

It follows the announcement by Most Reverend Fintan Gavin on Thursday of plans to sell the historic property on the northside of Cork City to help fund the construction of a new pastoral centre which will be used to train lay people to support the dwindling number of priests.