‘A beautiful plan’: Key Kerry site to provide community centre and vital car park

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A new lease of life is to be granted to a key historical site in a Kerry tourist town as plans are approved by local councillors.

The St Claire Convent is set to undergo major refurbishment, converting the vacant site into a vibrant multi-use community centre and car park.

The Sisters of St Clare had moved to the new Convent site over 20 years ago but with the council’s purchase in 2023 they took their leave.

New plans for the building include a civic meeting space, office spaces and a family resources centre, with a car park of over 100 spaces designed for the surrounding land.

Councillor Dan McCarthy hailed the plans as “one of the greatest” developments in Kenmare “for a long, long time”.

“The potential for Kenmare with the amendment of the parking is enormous…its absolutely brilliant.”

The parking will be situated in two areas on the convent’s grounds adding 125 car parking spaces, five coach spaces and one minibus space.

Councillor Tommy Cahill said the provision of the spaces was “huge” for the town, adding that the family resource centre was also a “big win”.

He said the family resource centre in Killorglin, which he was a member of, provided a “great service” to the town and welcomed the creation of one in Kenmare.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae also praised the development, casting his vote to move forward with the proposal.

I feel this is a massive move for Kenmare,” he said, “if we could get this done and the second part of the bypass it would be a massive achievement.”

The first half of the Eastern Relief Road opened in 2014 allowing drivers to travel between Killowen Road and Railway Road without having to go through the town centre.

Submissions have been made from Kerry County Council (KCC) to the department of transport for the second stretch, but no funding has been secured to date.

As part of the new plans, the convent building will host a KCC area office and municipal district meeting room, alongside an office space.

Councillor Teddy O’Sullivan said local workers were already looking forward to moving into the new space – “the challenge is getting it done in time,” he said.

Councillor Norma Moriarty lauded the overall plan as “beautiful”, pointing to the way it integrates with the local school.

“There’s no doubt this is a fantastic project,” she said, “the future connectivity with the school is going to be magnificent as well. This is a beautiful plan.”