Public consultation on Ferbane convent revamp gets underway

A six-week public consultation period on the proposed redevelopment of St Joseph's Convent in Ferbane began this week.

Under the Part 8 planning process, which is used by local authorities to secure approval for their own developments, Offaly County Council is seeking to convert the convent and ancilliary buildings into a multi-purpose community, enterprise and learning space.

The development includes the refurbishment of the convent building and assembly hall; and the construction of a new two-storey extension, with a new accessible three-storey staircase / lift to the existing convent building.

It would involve the creation of a linear River Walk amenity; a new vehicular access from the Ballycumber Road, and parking.

The site works would also see the demolition of a prefabricated structure, two-storey outbuilding, concrete portal frame classrooms, and storage buildings.

The plans can be inspected at Ferbane Library, or in the council's offices in Tullamore and Birr. They are also available on the council's website here.

Public submissions on the plans can be made between now and June 26.