Retail and housing planned on site of former Passage West convent

A REVISED planning application has been lodged for the complete redevelopment of the former St Mary’s Convent and National School in the centre of Passage West.

Clyda Eco Homes Ltd are planning to demolish the former school buildings, schoolyard and outbuildings along with minor demolitions to the rear of convent building.

In its place, they want to build a new town centre building on Main Street to comprise of retail, crèche, offices and a gym at ground and first-floor level with 17 apartments over on the second, third and fourth levels.

The former convent buildings and chapel will be renovated to build 18 apartments along with 18 semi-detached homes on the convent grounds. A new vehicle entrance for the houses will be built from the Back Road.

A similar application had been lodged by Clyda Eco Homes last December but was subsequently withdrawn. This now application has reduced the number of apartments and the height of the main building.

Cork County Councillor and Passage West resident Marcia Dalton urged the public to view the planning application and make submissions ion it if they feel it is warranted.

"This is a key site in Passage West and is very much in need of development. I also believe this updated application is more in keeping with the Passage West town centre and its surrounding buildings," she said.

"I would encourage people to view the plans for themselves and make a decision on whether they would like to make a submission."

A planning decision on the revised application is expected in early February.