COMMUNITY groups have called for development at the site of a derelict former convent and school left to the forces of nature in Skibbereen.

The Convent of Mercy on North Street, currently overgrown and fenced off, was in 2017 earmarked for offices and flats, but work has yet to start on the €15m scheme.

At the time the application was submitted, the community welcomed the move by Dublin-based Remcoll Group, saying more housing was needed in the area.

However, frustration over the stalling of the building project has grown and residents and community groups are looking for answers.

John O’Neil, chairperson of Skibbereen Historical Society, said: ‘There is widespread concern and frustration at the ongoing dereliction of the site.

Since 1860, the Convent of Mercy was an integral part of the life of Skibbereen and district. It is sad to see it in such a sorry state.

‘Given the current housing need, if practical, one would like to see it developed for housing units at affordable prices and in an ideal world a section set aside for a museum where the contribution of the Sisters of Mercy and many other facets of the town and hinterland would be catalogued and memorabilia put on display.’

The Convent of Mercy closed its doors in 2003, with the building sold for development alongside the adjacent Mercy Heights School.

Planning permission for redevelopment was originally granted in 2017.

In 2020, an arson attack caused extensive damage, destroying the chapel roof.

The current owners, Dublin-based Remcoll, vowed to convert the chapel into commercial facilities and the convent into seven apartments.

They were asked to adhere to tighter restoration and conservation guidelines following a planning appeal in 2021.

If progressed, the former school would be turned into four office units, with a new apartment block of 52 units and six two-storey terraced houses, according to the original plans.

The existing car park was to be retained and modified.

The convent and school have had a colourful history, linked closely to the Sisters of Mercy.

The religious institute first came to Skibbereen in 1860 when four sisters from Kinsale opened a school in Skibbereen.

Their legacy took off with award-winning linen weaving and education for hundreds of local girls, earning global acclaim by the 1890s.

Over the decades, the convent expanded with a new school and became a respected hub for health care and community welfare.

Later additions to the complex included a chapel by famous architects Pugin & Ashlin.

The Sisters of Mercy have not had a connection with Skibbereen since 2004.

Sr Cóirle McCarthy, Southern Branch Leader of The Sisters of Mercy, said: ‘The story of the Mercy sisters in Skibbereen, up to its closure in 2003, has shown that in the true to spirit of Catherine McAuley’s ever generous response to human need, they continued to answer the needs of the people in Skibbereen, for education, for employment, helping the poor, and the sick in their homes, in fever hospital, as they arose in widely diverse times, places and situations.’

The Southern Star approached Remcoll Group for comment but did not receive a response.