Nuns confirm Bessborough closure

Nuns at the Bessborough centre have said that they will be actively seeking another service provider to continue services into the future.

The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary made the statement after confirming that they have decided to cease their involvement with the centre.

They will now commence the process of immediately seeking a new service provider that will have the capacity to continue the work at a different location.

The Sisters had previously announced their decision to sell a significant portion of the lands at Bessborough and this week held a meeting with 100 staff members who remain uncertain of their future. At the meeting, the Sisters explained that this decision had been taken in the context of the overall restructuring of the work of the congregation in keeping with present resources.

The statement read: “The Sisters want to again affirm the excellent service being provided at the centre by dedicated and committed staff. The Sisters recognise the concern this decision will create for staff and we will now be actively seeking another service provider that will continue this excellent service into the future.”

Former lord mayor of Cork Chris O’Leary, who is from the area, said that he was disappointed by the news that the centre would be closing.

“It's a valuable piece of land. The State has put in millions over the years and built it up to what it is. Most of the services that are currently there are State supported,” he told the Cork Independent.

He added: “I would be calling on Cork City Council now to block any development that would be proposed for that site.”

In a statement to Cork's 96FM's The Opinion Line, staff at the centre said that they are shocked by the news and that they have been given three months to vacate the facility.