The local authority has confirmed that it has recently completed the purchase of the former Sisters of St. Clare Convent building and grounds following the Charities Regulator approving the sale.
The house was the last home of the Sisters of St Clare and is not part of their original convent but is a property purchased by the order for the nuns to reside in the town once their official convent became part of the Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine.
The council has received an allocation of €500,000 from the Department of Rural land Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to support the purchase and to facilitate the development of the building as a community space.
This community space will accommodate a combination of uses including family and community supports through the Kenmare Family Resource Centre, community meeting space and exhibition space within the footprint of the existing building.
Kerry County Council has said they are actively engaging with the relevant stakeholders in this regard.
The council have also revealed that the grounds around the building will be developed as an amenity space comprising green space, car and coach parking and with future active travel links onto Railway Road most likely through the grounds of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine which is likely to include a proposed pedestrian bridge over the River Finnihy.The design and development of these proposals is ongoing, and it is intended that the planning process for this will begin in early 2025, the council confirmed in an update on their plans for the Kenmare property.
Public consultation is a fundamental element of the Part 8 planning process and submissions and observations will be considered during this process.
The future development of the former convent is also dependent on funding allocations.