Work begins on 18 age-friendly homes at former Convent of Mercy in West Mayo

Work has formally begun on 18 age-friendly social homes in the former Convent of Mercy in Westport, marking the start of a project that will restore one of the town’s best-known historic buildings.

The Mount Saint Mary’s Convent scheme will convert the former residence of the Sisters of Mercy, a nineteenth-century Protected Structure that has been vacant for a long time, into 16 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes. They are designed for older people and smaller households who want to live independently in their own community.

As well as extensive refurbishment throughout the building, the works include a new fully accessible lift and stair core. The former chapel will become a communal space for residents, giving them opportunities for social interaction.

The apartments will be fully accessible and age-friendly, supporting independent living and ageing in place. They will be allocated through the Council’s social housing list.

The project is expected to cost €8,663,330 including VAT, or €481,296 per unit. The homes are due for delivery in July 2028.

Developed in partnership with Mayo County Council and funded through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the project will restore and repurpose the former Convent of Mercy building on Altamont Street.

The conservation-led restoration will retain the historic character of the Protected Structure while adapting it for residential use. Key features including the façades and roofscape, chapel, stained-glass windows, decorative plasterwork, original joinery and staircases will be retained and restored. The entrance gates, graveyard, mature trees and established landscape setting will also be protected.

Olivia Gallagher, Head of Housing in Mayo County Council told the March monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District in Belmullet that the approved housing body Tuath Housing will be untaking the development and will enter into a 99-year lease with Mayo County Council for an annual fee of €100. Tuath Housing will deliver the project with OCC Construction.

At the same meeting, Ms Gallagher explained that subject to the councillor's approval, work was expected to commence on the site in May with a projected substantial completion date of August 2027. She added that if work is not completed within 36 months of the commencement of the lease, the site will be transferred back to Mayo County Council. Main contractor OCC Construction has commenced works on site, with completion anticipated in late 2028.

The project will bring a prominent building that has stood vacant for many years back into active use, preserving an important part of Westport's architectural, cultural and social heritage.

Bronagh D'Arcy, Deputy CEO of Tuath Housing, explained: “Mount Saint Mary's Convent is a unique project that demonstrates how historic buildings can be given a new lease of life while retaining their existing character. The development will enable older people to live in a home that suits their needs and remain connected to the services, amenities and communities they know.

“This development reflects Tuath's commitment to providing homes that support independent living while also protecting and enhancing Ireland's built heritage. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Mayo County Council and OCC Construction in bringing this important project forward.”

The age-friendly units are part of the major €13.5 million redevelopment of the former Convent on Altamont Street which also includes a public library, civic offices and a community hub. Minister Dara Calleary turned the sod on the redevelopment at the end of October and work on the project has been progressing since.

Wider regeneration

The site is on Altamont Street, within walking distance of shops, healthcare services, public transport and community and recreational amenities. It is adjacent to the Great Western Greenway.

The development is part of the wider regeneration of the former convent lands, alongside Mayo County Council’s Civic Offices development.

Westport-based Cllr Peter Flynn said the latest phase would bring total investment in the site to €34 million, with the overall project due for completion by mid-2028.

The Fine Gael Cllr was joined at the commencement by Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District Cllr Brendan Mulroy, Cllr John O’Malley and Cllr Chris Maxwell.

Ray Staunton, Chairman of Westport Social Services and Cllr John Caulfield, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council were also present for the commencement of works.

“Another proud day at the former Convent of Mercy,” said Cllr Flynn. “The project will also include the refurbishment of the former chapel into a shared communal space for residents and the wider community to enjoy.”

He said the apartments would be allocated in the same way as the Council’s earlier developments at St Mary’s Villas and Plougestal Court. “It is very satisfying to see this historic site being transformed into a valuable community asset, providing much-needed age-friendly accommodation while preserving an important part of Westport’s heritage,” he said. “A significant milestone for Westport and another step towards realising the full potential of the former Convent site.”

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mulroy, described it as a day that had been a long time coming. “It’s a great day for Westport,” he said. “It blends in with the civic offices, the council offices, and the library, and also the social services. When the social services go up there, and that becomes their home, very much central to Westport.”

He thanked his council colleagues, Cllrs Maxwell and O’Malley, and paid particular tribute to Cllr Flynn, who he said “played a big role going back to the town council days”.

Cllr John Caulfield, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: "This project represents a major step forward in a transformative civic and cultural phase for Westport. I want to acknowledge the ongoing dedication of everyone who has helped progress this development to its current stage. In particular, we welcome the commencement of works today by Tuath Housing in partnership with Mayo County Council as they begin to deliver these 18 age friendly homes. Tuath’s steadfast commitment to providing homes that foster independent living and support our senior community is highly commendable. The continued alignment and dedication of all parties involved ensure that this regeneration will not only enhance Westport’s built heritage but will also strengthen the social and cultural foundations of the town."

Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, said: "This site, which is steeped in history and community memory, will soon become a vibrant hub providing public services, and enhancing community life for generations to come.

“We welcome the fantastic work of Tuath as they advance construction to deliver 18 purpose-built age friendly homes. This project ensures that our senior community members can live in comfortable homes tailored directly to their needs while remaining deeply rooted in the local community, close to the essential services and amenities they know and rely on."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme