Concerns for the future of monastery
By Mary Dennehy
AN APPROVED Housing Body is believed to be interested in the Carmelite monastery on the Firhouse Road, The Echo has learned.
Speculation has started locally that an unconfirmed Approved Housing Authority is looking at the monastery as a possible location for housing homeless families.
The convent is now owned by an individual owner, who is believed to be in negotiations with a housing body – with no deal, or guarantee of a deal, made as of yet.
The Echo understands that if a deal was to be reached that South Dublin County Council would move homeless families into the monastery.
When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for the council said: “We have had tentative enquiries from an Approved Housing Body with regard to this property, but nothing further than that.”
Home to the sisters since 1827, the Carmelite monastery, which has played an integral role in community development in the areas of Firhouse and Knocklyon, was vacated by the order due to challenging and changing times.
As reported previously by The Echo, Ballyboden St Enda’s is close to finalising a deal to purchase the land adjacent to the monastery – which is earmarked for the development of two senior pitches.
This deal does not include the monastery.
Speaking with The Echo, local councillor Deirdre O’Donovan (Independent) said: “This is a very special site and a very valued site within the community, and there are a lot of concerns for the future of the monastery.
“I have been contacted by residents who have heard that an Approved Housing Board is looking at the site.
“I have been onto the council and they have confirmed that an Approved Housing Body is in negotiations and if a sale does go through, the council will be looking at the property with a view to housing homeless families from their housing list.”
