After more than two decades of uncertainty, Cashel’s former Convent Grounds could finally be set for a new chapter, with the site now forming a key part of the town’s Town Centre First regeneration strategy.
The Convent Grounds occupy an important place in Cashel’s history. For generations the lands formed part of the Presentation Convent complex, which played a central role in education and community life in the town. The grounds provided open space around the convent buildings and were closely associated with the Presentation Sisters, whose contribution to Cashel extended across education, faith and community development for well over a century.
In 2001, the Presentation Sisters sold the almost three-acre site to Tipperary County Council at a significantly reduced price. It was understood at the time that the lands would be developed for community purposes rather than commercial or economic activity, ensuring that the grounds would continue to serve the people of Cashel long into the future.
Despite its prime location close to the town centre, the grounds have remained largely unused in the years since. While various proposals have been considered over the years, including an early plan to develop a hotel on the site, no project ever came to fruition. As a result, many local residents have long questioned why such an important site has remained dormant for so long.
Momentum has now begun to build around the long-awaited development after local councillors pushed for fresh consideration of the site’s future.
Councillor Declan Burgess, who raised the issue through a council motion at the beginning of the current council term in July 2024, said substantial progress has since been made. A detailed topographical survey of the grounds was commissioned by the Cashel-Tipperary-Cahir Municipal District, identifying key existing features including mature trees and shrubs, historic boundary walls and established walking routes throughout the site.
Cllr Burgess welcomed the work undertaken by District Administrator Michael Begley and his team and said responsibility for progressing the project has now transferred to Cashel’s Town Centre First team, which will examine future options for the site as part of the town’s wider regeneration plan.
A public consultation survey has also been launched, with residents invited to submit their views on how the grounds and other areas of the town centre should be developed in the future.
Among the ideas already suggested by Cllr Burgess is the creation of a sensory garden and inclusive outdoor community space. He noted that Cashel is home to Scoil Chormaic, Scoil Aonghusa, RehabCare, Moorehaven and the Brothers of Charity, all of which could benefit from such a facility.
“Cashel is continuing to grow and we need additional outdoor community spaces,” he said. “The Convent Grounds provide a real opportunity to create something that is accessible, welcoming and beneficial for all sections of the community.”
Independent Councillor Liam Browne has also welcomed the renewed focus on the site, describing it as one of the most significant undeveloped community assets in Cashel.
“It is very encouraging to see the council actively examining a range of potential uses for the Convent Grounds after so many years,” he said. “The site has enormous potential and it is important that the community now has an opportunity to help shape its future. We have spoken for years about what might happen here and it is positive to finally see a structured process underway that can lead to meaningful progress.”
Cllr Browne said the grounds present an opportunity to think boldly about the future needs of Cashel and the wider area.
“In my view there may be an even more ambitious opportunity to consider,” he said. “We have a growing need for independent living accommodation for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to live as independently as possible while still having access to appropriate support services.”
He suggested that part of the site could potentially be developed in partnership with one or more organisations already providing services to people with intellectual disabilities, creating a model that combines housing, support services and community integration.
“Many families are anxious about future accommodation options for their loved ones,” he said. “If we can explore a model that provides safe, supported independent living within the heart of the community, it could be transformational for a number of people and their families while also ensuring the site delivers a lasting social benefit.” Cllr Browne also stressed the importance of community involvement in determining the future of the historic grounds.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cashel, and it is vital that the community has a strong voice in deciding what happens next,” he said. “The Convent Grounds belong to the people of Cashel. I would encourage everyone to engage with the consultation process and put forward their ideas. The best projects are those that are developed with the community rather than for the community. By working together, we can create a space that reflects the needs, aspirations and values of the people who live here.”
He added that involving local community groups, disability organisations, schools, residents, businesses and sporting bodies from the outset would help ensure any future development delivers lasting benefits for the town.
“Whatever direction is ultimately chosen, the Convent Grounds should become a space that serves the needs of the community for generations to come,” he added.
The Town Centre First plan is expected to continue to take shape throughout the summer, with further public meetings and round-table discussions scheduled in Halla na Féile as Cashel residents consider the future of one of the town’s most significant undeveloped sites. For many, the hope is that the long-awaited regeneration of the Convent Grounds can finally unlock the potential of a site that has stood idle for more than twenty years and transform it into a landmark community development for future generations.