Doubts emerge over ‘super project’ to redevelop old convent in Laois Offaly town

A “super project” to redevelop an old convent in Portarlington "could do with getting started", according to a county councillor, but an Offaly County Council official has said the voluntary housing body involved may have "overstretched" .

Plans to convert the Presentation Convent on Patrick Street in Portarlington into social housing were first announced in 2021. Planning permission for the development of 37 units was granted in 2023, but construction is yet to begin on the project.

Independent councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick spoke on the subject at the March meeting of the Edenderry Municipal District. Cllr Fitzpatrick said Sophia Housing have purchased the property and planning was granted. He asked Offaly council officials what has happened since. 

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“To date, no work has started on site. I’m just wondering have you been in contact with them or is there any update on what they are proposing to do with the building.

“It’s a fine building and there is a good development plan there for the area, so it would be great to see that progressing as soon as possible,” he said.

In response, John Mitchell, Senior Executive Engineer at Offaly County Council, highlighted the potential of the project.

 “On the convent in Portarlington, I suppose that’s a super project, it really is. The Department [of Housing] has shown its commitment to it by allocating over €14 million of its budget for it.

“It has got planning [permission] so there’s lots of projects there, lots of ingredients there to bring about a super project. If it’s combined with other funding sources, I think that whole area could be amazing.

“That same AHB (Approved Housing Body) has been involved in a very similar project in Portlaoise and as I understand, it’s supposed to be a very good outcome," he said.

However, he went on to outline the issues facing the Sophia Housing Association and the reasons why the redevelopment hasn’t started.

“I suppose from their point of view, maybe they’ve overstretched themselves a little bit in relation to how much they can take on. They haven’t let that one go, and from my point of view, I’ll be pushing very hard to get that through,” he said.

Mr Mitchell said that while the original plan was for 37 housing units, there are now plans for a total of 45 units.

In most cases, such a change would require another planning application to be submitted. However, no such application has been lodged.

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“The project on paper is getting better but as you say, it could do with getting started there,” Mr Mitchell added.

He concluded by reassuring the elected members that Offaly County Council remains focused on ensuring the project comes to fruition.