Attractive Skibbereen school property

A €10 million west Cork schools amalgamation later this summer brings Skibbereen’s Mercy Heights school, behind the old convent, up for sale for new uses and development.

And, at a guide of €250,000 for nine acres just above the town off North Street, with 11,000 sq ft of older-style buildings, there’s a class chance here for fast learners, say estate agent Hodnett Forde who bills the extensive property as “one of the most attractive properties to come for sale within Skibbereen town in recent times.”

The disposal comes about as the Mercy Heights school, St Fachtna’s De La Salle, and Rossa College prepare to amalgamate from the 2016/2017 academic year, with the new Skibbereen Community School due on stream in a new chapter for education in the town.

The former Mercy convent was sold a number of years ago to developer Jerry O’Donovan, who also bought land at Ownehincha beach, but both sites have lain idle for over a decade. Another developer, Bernard Hennessy, who has completed a holiday home development at Barley Cove among other schemes, acquired the forlorn convent site on North Street; the arrival of Mercy Heights could pave the way for development of either, or both, should Mr Hennessy decide to buy, or to sell on.

Mercy Heights’ 11 acres is currently zoned for education and recreation uses, has services, and includes six acres of pasture.

The buildings include a single storey, flat roofed structure as well as portable buildings.

Details: Hodnett Forde 023-8833367.