Monaghan County Council is delighted to announce funding of €7 million for the transformative redevelopment of the St Louis Convent Grounds in Monaghan Town. The funding, awarded under the THRIVE programme, will breathe new life into the 28-acre heritage site and create a vibrant community space for people of all ages.
Monaghan County Council purchased the land from the St Louis Convent with the vision of developing the site for the benefit of the people of Monaghan Town. The project will sensitively adapt the vacant St Louis Chapel into a state-of-the-art community hub featuring exhibition and performance spaces, meeting rooms, a café, and fully accessible facilities including a Changing Places restroom. The plans also include new public realm works that will link the convent grounds with the town centre, including the removal of the existing boundary wall to create an open, welcoming space.
A key component of the proposal is the creation of a Living Lab—a collaborative community model designed to bring people together to develop ideas and tackle local challenges.
Speaking on the announcement, Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said:
“This investment marks a pivotal moment for Monaghan Town. By reimagining the St Louis Chapel and surrounding grounds, we are preserving an important part of our heritage while creating a dynamic space that will serve our community for generations to come. I want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff and the valuable input from members of the public throughout the consultation process.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, PJ O’Hanlon, also welcomed the funding, stating:
“The redevelopment of the Convent Grounds will completely transform the heart of Monaghan. This is not just an investment in bricks and mortar—it is an investment in people, in culture, and in the future of Monaghan town. I look forward to seeing this historic site become a place where everyone can gather, celebrate, and connect.”
THRIVE, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, supports larger urban settlements such as cities, regional growth centres, and key towns, complementing other national funds for smaller towns. Monaghan Town, the only qualifying settlement in County Monaghan, secured €199,341 in May 2024 through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027.
