Major plan to give new lease of life to former Mayo convent chapel
Plans are in place to give a new lease of life to the old convent chapel in Ballina.
Behind the initiative are members of the local Convent of Mercy Regeneration Group.
They have been working on the proposal for the last two years and formally announced details to the parish today.
A spokesperson said: "We hope that by the end of 2024 with the support of the wider community, we can hold a Christmas service in the Old Chapel of the Convent, as well as reopening the dining room as a community and event space.
"To realise this plan, the priorities are the repair and replacement of roofs, gutters and damaged windows, along with full electrical and heating upgrades and general enhancements.
"It should be noted the old St. Mary’s Secondary School (nicknamed ‘The Convent’) is not part of this regeneration project and was recently listed for sale on the open market.
"The future use of the convent building will be determined through public consultation."
Outlining the progress to date, the spokesperson said: "We have been supported by the LEADER programme for an architectural conservation plan which is being completed by Vincent Coleman with the support of Simon Beale’s architectural and engineering practice.
"We received funding for an architectural lighting plan led by Dark Source, based on dark sky principles, which will celebrate the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows in a sensitive manner.
"We were awarded grant support from the Historic Structures Fund for repairing the gutters, windows and damaged roof of the Convent.
"We have also submitted an application for funding to the Heritage Council for further restoration."
Works have already been carried out by volunteers which has had a positive impact in diverting water away from the overflowing gutters and allowing light into each room.
This has been significant in halting the continued decline of the building.
Due to a decline in numbers, the doors of the Ballina Convent closed in December of 2008.
Following its closure, the building suffered from vandalism and deterioration caused by a combination of water ingress, rot and mould.
Over the past two years, the Sisters of Mercy have worked with the community of Ballina to discuss possible routes to revive the convent from its current condition, with the hopes of it being returned to use as an asset for the town,continuing the Sisters’ mission.
Following detailed discussions, the Sisters of Mercy made generous decision to gift the convent building to a newly formed charity, Ballina Convent Regeneration CLG.
This charity includes community and church representation with Fr. Aidan O’Boyle, Pat Flynn, Vincent Lang and Councillor Mark Duffy serving as voluntary directors.
Now the extent of their ambitious plans have been revealed.
Members of the public are invited to make donations to Ballina Convent Regeneration Company Limited by guarantee.
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