Plans for former St Clare's Convent in Kenmare will transform town, councillors say

The former convent of the Sisters of St Clare in Kenmare, Co Kerry, is to be used for community use as part of an agreement with Kenmare municipal district council. File picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

Unanimous approval has been voiced by councillors in Kenmare for plans on the former St Clare’s Convent, which they say will transform the town.

A family resource centre, civic offices, municipal council meeting room, and a car park with 125 spaces are to be provided under the plans.

The Sisters of St Clare, known as the Poor Clare nuns, left Kenmare in 2023 after more than a century and a half in Kenmare. 

The sisters who arrived in the 1860s had donated previous properties for schools and had set up lace-making and other industries, as well as schools. 

Their small new convent on five acres at the edge of the town was their last remaining property. Following approaches by the local council, it was sold at cost without ever going on the open market.

The property is to be used for community use as part of the agreement with the council.

Councillors at the meeting of Kenmare Municipal District voted unanimously to approve plans for what they said was a much-needed car park for Kenmare, as well as a family resource centre.

In his report to the meeting, municipal district manager James Nolan referred to issues raised during the public consultation process and outlined the proposed works, including the provision of 125 car parking spaces.

Provision for bus parking included in plans

There is also to be a bus parking space for five coaches as well as a minibus space.

“The long-term vision and strategy for Kenmare is to enhance its position as a tourist destination and historic town that is competitive nationally and internationally in attracting investment, talent, enterprise, and visitors,” Mr Nolan said.

Building on Kenmare’s scenic location would be a high-quality public realm environment, he said.

The council has worked with the Kenmare Family Resource Centre, which has been searching for premises. 

The resource centre provides services for the community in the greater Kenmare area, including low-cost counselling, helping youth, young children, people living in isolation, as well as migrants.

The Part 8 planning was proposed by Cllr Dan McCarthy (Ind). It was unanimously supported.

“It’s a massive move for Kenmare,” Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae (Ind) said.

This and a bypass for Kenmare would transform the town, he added.

'Beautiful plan' would benefit planned town

Chair of the Kenmare municipal district Cllr Norma Moriarty (FF) said the "beautiful plan" would benefit what was already a planned town.

However, rural regeneration development funding was refused, the meeting was told. 

Other funding streams are being sought to progress the refurbishment and 45sq m extension and car park.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage had asked if a bat survey was carried out to indicate the presence of the lesser horseshoe bat.

A survey in 2024 found no significant external roost features. And while access for bats into the interior of the roof was considered feasible through gaps in fascia and soffit, the gaps were cobwebbed over, indicating no disturbance.

“On no occasion were any species of bats seen emerging or re-entering this building during surveys,” the council found.

In 2023, a celebratory mass attracting a packed congregation was held in honour of the Sisters' rich contribution to the town.

• Supported by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme