New convent to be built in Galway city

By Keith Faherty

Galway City Council will decide in the coming week, on whether to grant approval on a new convent building project on Nun’s Island.

The new building will be facing the canal on Nun’s Island next to St Joseph’s Church.

They plan to have a 14-bedroom convent building, with facilities such as a dining room and an apartment for the administrator.

This building project will also involve the demolition of an extension to the Presentation National School (PNS) and other structures.

The City Council had previously inquired about the exclusion of the PNS from design plans.

The Presentation Sisters cited the abandonment of the school as a reason for it.

Upon the request of City Council, the proposed design was altered to accommodate the convent further back from bank of the canal.

A positive addendum to the Architectural Heritage Assessment Report noted that the new buildings would not come to significantly affect the 18th Century Walled Gardens that are a part of the site.

It also mentioned that the project would have no impact on the protected structure of Eglinton canal and waterways.

A Flood Risk Assessment, Appropriate Assessment for a NIS, and an Ecological Impact Assessment report were submitted with the planning application.

Sean Dockery and Associates sent an application letter, saying: “This application is primarily for a new convent building for the sisters within the boundaries of the current premises.”

Galway City Council will make a decision on the grant permission for the convent on 26 March.