Former Grant's Hotel and Sacred Heart Convent in Roscrea must be prioritised

DERELICTION is a problem plaguing town centres across Ireland and local Councillors for Roscrea have expressed particular concern for two landmark buildings in the town centre - the former Grant's (Pathé) Hotel and Sacred Heart Convent.

The former Sacred Heart Convent on Convent Hill has a commanding presence which dominates the skyline of the town, but has fallen into such disrepair that local representatives fear it is unsafe.

The building, which closed in 2009, was snapped up for the extraordinary price of €115,000 in a distressed property sale in 2012 and has remained vacant since.

Councillors Noel Coonan (FG), Michael Smith (FF) and Shane Lee (Ind) all pleaded for the local authority to investigate a solution to restoring the building to use. “The County Manager needs to roll up his sleeves and get stuck into this problem which is a glorious opportunity to do something positive for Roscrea”, Cllr. Coonan said.

“The onus is on the local authority to contact the businessman who owns the Convent - only the local authority has the wherewithal to move it forward,” Cllr. Smith said. “It's getting dangerous now and I'm worried about it”, he said.
Cllr. Lee included the former Grant's Hotel on Castle Street, which closed in 2013 and never returned.

Two buildings on the top of Limerick Street also pose a risk due to their derelict condition, Cllr. Lee added, criticising landlords who “think it is acceptable to let a building fall apart like that.”

Cathaoirleach, Seamus Hanafin, said the Council should use their Compulsory Purchase powers to force an end to dereliction.