The Bishop of Cork and Ross is facing calls to gift the former bishop’s palace and diocesan headquarters to the city instead of selling it.
It follows the announcement by Most Reverend Fintan Gavin on Thursday of plans to sell the historic property on the northside of Cork City to help fund the construction of a new pastoral centre which will be used to train lay people to support the dwindling number of priests.
The imposing 1930s-built property with landscaped gardens off Redemption Road, located between the North Monastery and Farranferris campuses, could fetch several hundred thousand euros on the open market, property sources suggested.
Bishop Gavin said the property, which hasn’t been used as a residence for over 20 years, is no longer fit for purpose and would cost too much to renovate and extend it.
But he said the decision to offer the site for sale has been made with the intention that it could be included in the wider Farranferris education and training campus.
“The seat of the Bishop of Cork and Ross will always remain on the northside at the North Cathedral,” he said.
“However, we feel the time is right to move all training, support and administrative functions to one location."
“This will help us to secure the future for the diocese to continue supporting our parishes as we plan better for the future.
“Funds from the sale of the Diocesan Office will be used to meet the costs of the new centre.”
Bishop’s palace a 'cornerstone of our community’s heritage'
But Independent Cllr Ken O’Flynn said he has now written to the bishop asking him to consider donating the building to the city to serve “the community's most vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly”.
He said it has tremendous potential to be transformed into a resource that provides critical support and services to those in need.
“The bishop’s palace is not just an architectural marvel — it is a cornerstone of our community’s heritage,” he said.
“By donating this iconic structure, we would not only preserve its legacy but also transform it into a place of compassion and care for the vulnerable members of society.”
He said while the current sale proposal reflects a commitment to community service and the values that the bishop exemplifies as a Christian leader, Mr O’Flynn said he hopes his donation proposal will resonate with the bishop.
“With thoughtful planning, the palace can become a pivotal resource that reaffirms the commitment to charity and community well-being,” he said.
Under the bishop’s plan, the proposed new Cork and Ross Pastoral Centre will bring all diocesan functions under one roof, including education, mission and ministry, youth ministry, safeguarding, communications and administrative functions, including the bishop’s office and diocesan secretariat, and an archive space.
It will be used to help train volunteers for leadership and ministry in the diocese’s families of parishes in the years ahead.
A site next to the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Dennehy’s Cross is being considered as one of the potential sites for the new centre.
The diocese is engaging with Cork City Council with a view to agreeing a master plan in conjunction with the remaining lands at Farranferris.
Bishop Gavin said he has begun a “wider consultation process” on the potential developments.