'Landmark moment' for Portlaoise as 52 homes officially opened on old convent site
Laois County Council and Sofia Housing cut the ribbon on the redeveloped Portlaoise Convent site
52 new homes on the site of the former Portlaoise Convent officially opened on Wednesday, April 29.
The Presentation Convent and surrounding lands, which included the former Ha’penny Babies School and Sacred Heart Primary School, has been brought back to life to create 52 new social homes after it was approaching dereliction for a number of years.
Sophia Housing, in partnership with Laois County Council, took on the project which saw a total of €27.6 million of public funds invested in the redevelopment and conservation of the site to deliver a mixture of houses and apartments.
Funding for the project was acquired through the Capital Assistance Scheme and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
The front facade of the former Portlaoise Convent building and Scoil Chríost Rí on Church Avenue.
The site, located on Church Avenue in the Old Fort Quarter, includes several heritage buildings that had been left unused for over two decades.
The central convent building dates back to 1824 and forms part of a wider complex that included the old primary school and associated religious structures.
Over time, these buildings fell into disuse following the departure of the Presentation Sisters and the amalgamation of local schools in 2017.
As well as 52 new homes, the project has delivered a new public park and public outreach and youth services locations all located on site which will ultimately create a space for the entire community along with its residents.
Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, addressing the guests of the official opening.
There was a great turnout for the official opening of the redeveloped Portlaoise Convent site, with music and refreshments provided for guests.
Laois' three TDs, Brian Stanley, Willie Aird and Sean Fleming were in attendance at the event as well as members of Laois County Council, representatives from Sophia Housing, the Presentation Sisters and members of the public.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, cut the ribbon for the opening which he described as a "landmark moment for Portlaoise."
Monsignor John Byrne and Reverend Alec Purser blessing the new development.
Emphasising the historical significance of the site in Portlaoise, Cllr Walsh praised the project for "strengthening the neighbourhood and revitalising the county town."
The project was in the works for a long time. Speaking on behalf of the Presentation Sisters, Sr. Francis Crowe said that the sisters were told in 1999 that the convent was no longer safe to live in. They had proposed the site for social housing back then and now, 27 years later, it has come to fruition.
Sr. Francis said that the project experienced many challenges through the years as objections to the development led to it being stalled for many years. She also noted that some of the buildings were set on fire and subjected to vandalism in the years it was left vacant.
People gathered on the grounds of the former convent for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sr. Annemarie Quinn also spoke at the official opening, saying that the Presentation Sisters were delighted to see the housing project completed.
"Thousands of Portlaoise children were educated and prepared for life on this site. We are very happy that Sophia Housing is now carrying on Nano Nagle's work by providing homes here," Sr. Quinn said.
She said that it has been a great pleasure for the Presentation Sisters to be part of the new development which is "breathing new life" into the centre of Portlaoise.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, cutting the ribbon alongside Laois TD Sean Fleming, Willie Aird and Brian Stanley, as well as Sofia Housing representatives and members of Laois County Council and the Presentation Sisters.
The CEO of Sophia Housing, Tony O'Riordan, commended the Presentation Sisters who he said were early advocates for social housing on the former convent site.
He remarked that in July 2024, the 200th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters establishing a community on the site was celebrated.
Four nuns from the Carlow community originally came to Portlaoise to provide education for poor children in the town at invitation of Father Nicholas O'Connor. Their first home and school was in the basement of the old church. Now, 10 houses occupy this space.
Laois County Council's Chief Executive, Michael Rainey, said he was happy to see that the legacy of the site has been protected. He emphasised that there was a "sensitivity" surrounding the site and protecting its heritage was crucial.
Left vacant and derelict for over 20 years, Rainey described the site as a "blight on the town" and its development required significant commitment from all involved.
"This marks an important moment for Portlaoise. It's more than a housing project, it's a public realm project," the Chief Executive said.
With the major project now complete, Rainey looked ahead towards the continued commitment to developing Portlaoise's cultural quarter at Church Avenue.
This week, Laois County Council moved ahead with its plans to redevelop the Fort Protector in Portlaoise which includes the refurbishment of the Granary building and the Old Barracks site.
The council intends to refurbish the Granary building to create a museum, exhibition, an indoor performance space and permanent home for the Portlaoise Plane. The Old Barracks site is proposed to be redeveloped for a flexi-use arts, culture and community space.
Monsignor John Byrne and Reverend Alec Purser blessed the site before the ribbon was cut on the grounds in front of the old convent building.