Monaghan County Council has made the decision to purchase part of the St Louis Campus in Monaghan Town. St Louis Convent lands contains a cluster of recently vacated buildings that include a former school, chapel, and living quarters including three terraced houses. The remainder of the site includes formal greenspace with gravel tennis courts, a lake with native woodland surrounds and a conifer plantation. The site is mostly surrounded by the urban environment and bounded by Monaghan Town Greenway at its Southern Edge. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Sean Conlon said this announcement is to be "heralded" not only by members of the local authority, but also by the people of Monaghan and beyond. According to Cllr Conlon, among them in particular are the tens of thousands of women who have received their education throughout the hallowed halls and classrooms over many generations.
In an appeal regarding what future plans may be in store for this significant land and building purchase, Cllr Conlon said; "We owe it to all those who have passed through the gates as educationalists, ancillary staff, and young women learning and yearning for life, to safeguard the historical, cultural, and architectural gem that remains today as part of the heartbeat of our town and county."
Cllr Conlon continued; "The legacy created, and which continues in the making, is underpinned by the devotion and life-long commitment given by the Sisters of St Louis in providing educational fulfilment aligned with spiritual and pastoral guidance. The purchase by Monaghan County Council of the vacant buildings at St Louis Convent, which have been surplus to the needs of the school for many years, and following the major extension that opened in October 2019, will preserve not only the sanctity of the chapel, but also the profound historical and cultural association that the St Louis Order of Nuns have established since arriving from France in 1859, into their original home at No. 8 Mill Street in Monaghan Town. Thankfully, the nuns who have retired from front line teaching remain active in our community, applying their pastoral acumen in roles of advocacy, outreach, and tutoring, among many life enhancing endeavours in support of our citizens."
