The initiative, led by Florida-based Catholic institution Ave Maria University, would see up to 100 students per semester study at the former Cistercian monastery under a programme currently in advanced planning stages.
Interest among students has exceeded early expectations. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Ave Maria University Chief Strategy Officer Mr Daniel Schreck said demand had been immediate following the programme’s launch.
“We had about 500 students attend the launch event,” he said. “And more than 300 applied for around 100 places. The response has been overwhelming.”
Locally, news of renewed activity at the abbey has been met with cautious optimism following the departure of the monks in early 2025.
Fr Martin Keogh PP of Cappoquin said signs of life returning to the site quickly became a talking point in nearby towns.
“I went into Barron’s and somebody said to me, ‘The lights are on in Melleray,’” he recalled. “There’s a lot of hope, but not a lot of knowledge. People were devastated to see the monastery go.”
The abbey has long been intertwined with community life – a place where many remember receiving sacraments or going for walks. Ms Niamh McGuinness, Rural Recreation Officer for Waterford, described the closure as “a big hit to the community”.
“When the monks left, people were very worried,” she said. “We were delighted to hear something might be happening.”
Beyond its spiritual significance, the project is also expected to provide local economic benefits. Refurbishment and adaptation works are being led by a largely Irish-based professional team, with project manager Mr Seamus Savage noting strong local support.
“I have never in 30 years dealt with so many professional people at council level who have such goodwill for a project,” he said. “They want this to happen.”
Under current proposals, the abbey would remain under Cistercian ownership, with Ave Maria operating the campus through a long-term partnership.
If approvals proceed as expected, the first group of students could arrive as early as this autumn, marking a new chapter for the site.