The Mayor of Killarney has urged Kerry County Council to purchase the historic Presentation Convent building and surrounding land and to develop it as civic offices.
KillarmeyToday.com revealed earlier today that the landmark stone building, on a 1.422-acre site at Cathedral Place, has been put on the market with an estimated price tag of €1.5 million.
Selling agent Michael Coghlan, of Sherry Fitzgerald Coghlan, who described it as the best site in Killarney, said it would be ideal for high-end apartments, a boutique hotel, educational uses, an assisted living facility, an exclusive wedding venue or as a private residence.
The sale has generated enormous interest and an opening offer of €1.25 million has already been tabled.
Mayor Niall Kelleher said he has already been in contact with senior council officials urging them to consider buying the property as a base for the local authority in the town.
It would ensure that all the local council facilities would be under one roof and that the workforce in Killarney would increase rather than having the majority of the staff based in Áras an Chontae in Tralee.
Cllr Kelleher said a section of the building could also be used as a town hall and for local authority meetings and that consideration could be given to selling the existing town hall which is operating at capacity.
It is generally accepted that the current civic offices on Main Street – close to the town’s jarvey stand – would fetch at least €1 million on the open market.
“We need more council services and personnel in Killarney and this is an ideal opportunity to bring that about,” Mayor Kelleher stated.
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