Ballina Convent Revival project gathers pace
There are plans to bring the convent back to its former glory. Pic courtesy of Ballina Convent Revival group.
A group of ambitious and hard-working volunteers are progressing with plans to bring a former convent building back to its former glory.
The convent, built in 1867 by the Sister of Mercy has laid vacant and in a state of dereliction since its closure. Cllr Mark Duffy, was approached by members of the Sisters of Mercy Order – who once called the convent their home – encouraging a regeneration project.
“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,” said Cllr Duffy.
“It’s a really exciting project,” he added.
Water damage and vandalism has impacted the property in recent years and there were fears that the building could become unsalvageable if action was not taken.
The group has collaborated with UCD and the University of Notre Dame’s Church property division.
They been supported by the LEADER programme for an architectural conservation plan. They 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 2024 for repairing the gutters, windows and damaged roof of the convent,” said Cllr Duffy.
The entire project could cost in the region of €5m.
“We are a resourceful group and because it’s volunteer and community led the project can be done in phases and we can cut our cloth accordingly,” said Cllr Duffy.
“We have a great team and we are getting a good response locally. This is a positive example of a community-led project which is trying to continue the Sisters tradition of charity and trying to be a force for good in the town,” he added.
The Sisters of Mercy arrived at Ballina on October 14th, 1851 following the devastation of the Great Famine. On their arrival, the humanitarian situation was dire, with disease, unemployment, mass emigration and extremely low levels of access to education and healthcare. The Sisters of Mercy went to work and by the 5th of December of that year, had taken charge of the female national school, where 4 Sisters taught 350 students. By May of 1867, having secured a site from the Bourke Family, the convent of the Immaculate Conception, All Hallows, opened its doors for the first time on McDermott Street, Ballina.
From their arrival in 1851 the Sisters of Mercy devoted their lives to health, education and social good, specifically targeting the disadvantaged and those most in need in the Ballina community. The Sisters led the delivery of ambitious projects including the opening of St. Joseph’s hospital as well as Scoil Iosa primary school and St. Mary’s secondary school.
