A new social housing development at the former convent in Kilmacthomas has been delayed because of an outstanding water connection.
Waterford City and County Council had hoped the homes would be ready this month, but councillors have been told the development has now been pushed back into the final quarter of the year.
Director of Services for Housing Seamus De Faoite told a meeting of the Comeragh District Council that allocations had already taken place over the summer, but the connection to the Uisce Éireann network was holding up completion.
Plans to bring the former convent back into use for housing date back several years. The development was already before Waterford Council in 2022, when plans centred on six apartments at the site.
Waterford Council proposed converting the building into six social homes alongside the construction of new homes on the surrounding grounds. The plans subsequently developed into the current 12-unit scheme, comprising six refurbished apartments within the convent and six newly-built homes.
The project represents another chapter in the history of the building, which dates back to the late 19th century.
The Sisters of Mercy established a presence in Kilmacthomas in the 1870s, initially working in the local workhouse and teaching in the area. The foundation stone for the convent was laid in 1881, with the building later becoming a longstanding part of the village.
Plans to turn the site into housing have been progressing for several years. Waterford City and County Council sought tenders for the current 12-home development in September 2024.
The contract, worth just over €3 million, was awarded in April 2025 and covers the six new homes, refurbishment of the six apartments and associated works at the site.
Concerns were raised in 2024 regarding the housing of asylum seekers at the former convent, however, Waterford City and County Council’s Director of Housing Ivan Grimes responded to concerns raised by local councillors, saying the development would be used to house older people as reported by WLR.
The homes had been expected to be ready this month, but the council now hopes the development will be completed during the final quarter of the year.
