Change of use sought for Kildare convent

A change of use application from The Parish of St Patrick & St Brigid has been submitted to Kildare County Council.

Planning permission documents show that The Parish intends to turn The Holy Faith Convent, which is located on the Main Street of Celbridge, into a Parish Centre and Parochial House.

Details of the proposed changes include: alterations to the building including the provision of a ramp at the front entrance; the installation of a second internal staircase and lift in the parlour; the installation of a new fire doors at ground and first-floor level; the removal of the existing external steel stairs and reinstatement of the associated window; provision of four en-suite bathrooms, stores and associated works at first floor level; the conversion of the rear outbuildings to parish meeting rooms; including the construction of a glazed clerestorey over the existing stone walls, which will be insulated and plastered externally; the provision of associated parish car-park and all other associated site works.

The date received is listed as May 8 last, while the submission-by and due dates are given as June 11 and July 2.

According to the group's website, The Church of St Patrick and St Brigid is located in Clane.

It was opened in 1884 and is Neo-Gothic in style.

Previously, a convent, which was adjacent to the church, closed in 2003 and was renovated into its Parish Centre on the Main Street of Clane.

After a fire in August of 2008, the church was completely renovated.