Galway city is to lose a historic landmark with the demolition of the Dominican Convent in Taylor's Hill. The plan has caused consternation among heritage groups.
"The permission for demolition should never have been granted," according to Dr Sean O'Donnell of Cairde na Gaillimhe. "It's another part of old Galway going and Cairde deplores it." An Taisce also criticised the move.
The Dominican nuns moved to Taylor's Hill in 1845. Many additions and alterations were made to the original house, which dates from the early 1800s, most notably a beautiful chapel with stained-glass windows and oak screen, accommodation for the community, and the original boarding school, which dates from 1870.
The "new" boarding school, which was completed in 1901, is not part of the demolition plan.
Sister Rose O'Neill OP, who wrote a history of the Galway Dominican nuns from 1644 to 1994 said it was a painful decision which was not taken lightly.
She does not share the heritage groups' concern for the buildings and resents their intrusion. "It's all bits and pieces; it's falling down," she said. "No single room is in its original condition."
The decision to demolish and rebuild was unanimous in the community, she said, and they find public interest upsetting. There are 20 sisters in the convent, many of whom use sticks or wheelchairs. They are looking forward to moving to the new convent, which is under construction and will have a lift.