Planning granted for Cork Magdalene laundry site to become student housing

An Coimisiún Pleanála has upheld approval for a 957-bed student complex at Cork’s former Good Shepherd Convent, with strict historical safeguards

An artist's impression of the student accommodation development at the long-derelict Good Shepherd Convent in Cork City.

Planning permission for a large new student accommodation facility with almost 1,000 beds on a site of a former convent, orphanage and Magdalene laundry in Cork City has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The commission rejected an appeal by several parties against the decision of Cork City Council to grant planning permission for 274 student apartments providing 957 bed spaces in a large-scale residential development on lands at the former Good Shepherd Convent in Sunday’s Well.