Work on age-friendly apartments at west Mayo convent site to start in May

The construction of 18 age-friendly apartments on the site of a former convent in Westport is expected to start in May after Mayo councillors approved leasing land to a housing body.

West Mayo councillors approved the disposal of land at part of the site at the former Sisters of Mercy Convent in Westport to Tuath Housing for the construction of 18 age-friendly apartments along with community space.

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.

Olivia Gallagher, Head of Housing in Mayo County Council told the 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. 

The Part 8 planning application was adopted by local councillors in April 2024 and Tuath Housing received department funding for the project.

Ms Gallagher explained that subject to the councillor's approval, work will 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. 

The development was welcomed by local councillor Brendan Mulroy who proposed approving the lease of the land which was seconded by Cllr John O'Malley. 

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Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Peter Flynn said the update on the age-friendly units was very positive as was a recent update they received regarding progress on the main part of the convent redevelopment.

“It sounds like Carey Construction [main contractors] are doing a fantastic job because you hear so many negative stories in relation to contractors trying to get add-ons on left right and centre. It sounds like Carey's are really progressing at speed and working well with the project team. 

“The fact we will have this development up and running by May is really good news. The fact we will have 18 additional new homes available is really positive and very welcome,” he said.