www.lmkeating.ie L&M Keating Ltd, Kilmihil, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors.

The contract for the redevelopment of the former Mercy Convent at Moyderwell into 8 apartments and a day care centre has been signed (September 14) by Tralee Town Council and L&M Keating Ltd. of Kilmihil, Co. Clare. "The renewed convent building which is located in the heart of Tobar Naofa, is not only an important element of the wider regeneration project, it will also provide essential support services to local residents and to the wider Tralee community". Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. A. J. Spring. This is a further stage in the multi-million euro regeneration of the Mitchell's-Boherbee area which is being funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Work on the former convent will begin this week where the ground floor of the building will be modified to the design of the National Building Agency to meet the needs of a day care centre, which will be managed by the Health Service Executive and will replace the existing day care facility occupying a section of the St. Patrick's Bungalows complex. The first floor of the building will retain its residential use and will comprise of 8 additional apartments, which will be managed by the residential scheme caretaker as part of the overall development at Tobar Naofa. A community facility for the residents of Tobar Naofa will also be located on the ground floor.

Tralee Town Manager, Mr. Michael McMahon acknowledged the huge level of support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and welcomed the Governments funding of over €2 million towards the redevelopment of the convent. He stated that during the course of the 12 month contract, there would be 40 people working on-site which would provide a welcome boost to the local economy. It was fitting that a building used by the Mercy Sisters for a century to serve the local community would continue in a broadly similar role. The building which had lain vacant for a decade would now receive a new lease of life.

He also acknowledged the Health Service Executives financial support and their commitment to this project since Tralee Town Council acquired Moyderwell convent in 2004. "We have been very lucky to have received terrific support from both the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the HSE. Both agencies recognise the importance of the Regeneration Project, and despite the economic downturn, have committed substantial funding to it." Lorchan Hoyne of L&M Keating Ltd. said his company welcomed the opportunity to participate in the ambitious regeneration project.

Other projects under the regeneration project that will be advanced in the coming months include the construction of 18 housing units at Mitchels Crescent and the completion of 6 apartments at Tobar Naofa.

http://www.tralee.ie/Convent%20Restoration.htm