Good news for Doon
The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent will be commencing construction in the near future. The project is driven by the building owners, Ballyhoura Rural Services CLG, a registered charity. The focus is on supporting those suffering from isolation and loneliness in all its forms.
The project will be located in the convent building and will provide a mix of single and double-bedroom apartments totalling 23 altogether.
Apartment occupants will be aged 50+ years and will have lifetime tenancies. These are independent living apartments but as the occupants age, ‘assisted living’ options will be considered in future years subject to HSE funding.
Community space will be available in the former chapel and there will also be a full restaurant on site which will be open to the wider community.
This is great news for the community of Doon given the prominence of the building in the village (see new façade below) and will be a huge help in the rejuvenation of the village and surrounding area.
Mother-child reconciliation
Another major building is also on the same campus, the former boarding school building. This building is approx. 33,000 square feet and is becoming more and more dilapidated and unsafe. Action is desperately needed to avoid their long term decay. A line of funding is currently being worked upon for the refurbishment of this building.
The building is planned to be used for a mother and child reconciliation program. Young mothers from the Mid-West, who have experienced substance abuse in the past, will have a unique opportunity to reunite with their children. These mothers will have successfully completed a rehabilitation program.
This is a wonderful programme with superb outcomes both for the mother and child and will come with a publicly available onsite crèche and preschool facility included.
Opportunities for the local area
Ballyhoura Rural Services Chairman John Walsh states “We are delighted to be able to bring forward these two projects as BRS services and support are so badly needed. From a Doon village perspective, it is also great to see the redevelopment of these buildings which are currently very unsightly in Doon Village, and which will make a really positive impact on the village when complete. We are currently working hard on finalising funding for the school building which will be in the order of an additional €9m which will further boost the local economy”.
This development brings major opportunities for the local economy. More than 80 people could be employed during construction. Local businesses and trades people will also benefit during construction afterwards.