New chapter opens as Limerick convent to be turned into apartments

A CONVENT in Kilfinane is set for a new lease of life as it is being turned into apartments.

St Paul's Convent, Castle Lane has been empty for a number of years, and now Sophia Housing Association and Limerick City and County Council have begun works to renovate the building.

Sophia works with people who, for any number of reasons, find themselves out of their own home. They provide homes and support to vulnerable people throughout Ireland.

Permission was granted in 2021 for the housing body to turn the convent into nine self-contained apartments.

The body applied for change of use, refurbishment and alterations to the existing convent building and school, in part a protected structure.

The apartments will be constructed within the existing convent, which was built in 1905.

Eight one-bed and one two-bed apartments will be built as well as a new lift and lobby.

Works will include the demolition of two ancillary buildings, internal alterations, layout changes and the provision of nine car parking spaces.

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Councillor PJ Carey told the Limerick Leader that it was “great news” for the locality.

“It is good to see the building being renovated and there are more houses being refurbished and built in the town as well.

“Two of the Sisters of St Paul who once lived in the convent will be housed in the new apartments as well which is great.”

While they no longer teach, they are still very much a part of the school community.

Four Sisters of St Paul first arrived in the village in 1903 and taught in the local primary school, Scoil Fhionáin as well as the secondary school, Scoil Pól.

Works are expected to be complete by the end of 2024.