Alternative Uses
Any proposed development on this site is an opportunity to consider how best to respectfully respond to the previous inhabitants of this space. An expectation would be that this is undertaken in a sensitive and restorative manner. Whilst the community is positive about the site being developed, any proposals should enrich and respect the history of this site, and not detract from it. No developers have so far given this due consideration.
The character of the area and that of the proposed development
While it is possibly desirable to combine some variation in the densities and socio-economic mix in an area, proper planning and development requires due consideration of the scale and impact of any new development upon existing private properties and infrastructure.
The proposed development, due to its scale and architectural character, would have a negative impact upon the amenity, traffic and existing character of the area and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.
The current proposal
The current proposal is not community orientated, appealing as it does to short term student or residential letting for profit.
Retirement Village
The Good Shepherd site would be an ideal location for a retirement or elder care village similar to the existing accommodation at Mount Desert, Lee Road or Haven Bay in Kinsale.
This might comprise of a nursing home within the footprint of the existing Protected Structures and a number of independent living units on the surrounding grounds. Those providing advocacy for the elderly favour a move away from nursing home beds as being the only option for those who can no longer live in their own homes for a variety of reasons. Many inappropriately live out their later years in nursing homes when their requirements could easily be provided for in lower dependency units.
By providing a village - type setting with shops, cafes, hairdressing and other services, the elderly in our community could live in a secure environment, yet maintain an independent lifestyle until their medical needs require higher dependency residential care in the nursing home. This would prolong positive mental health and physical mobility, which is the aim of elder care advocates throughout the developed world in the 21st Century.
Cultural Centre
There are also opportunities for exhibition spaces, artistic work spaces, and spaces for musical and theatrical performances. The provision of crafts and arts experience for schoolchildren is hampered in Cork city by a lack of insurable public spaces and yet there is a steady and persistent demand for such facilities.
Recreational amenity and memorial
The existing buildings can be re-purposed to create a memorial to the many lives lost during the heyday of the Good Shepherd Convent's existence. Much work needs to be done to locate and memorialise locations in which bodies were unceremoniously and unofficially buried (as the census figures suggest.) An interpretative centre, including information about the lives of many women and girls from this location and the tragic life of the girl known as "Little Nellie of Holy God" will be a significant addition to our historical understanding of life in Ireland at the time and its effects on our current culture. Don't forget that the Good Shepherd Laundry was functional till the end of the 20th century.
The open spaces left can be re-purposed as civic amenities to the local populations, much needed on the North side of the Lee.
Summary
The above are just some suggestions as to how the site may be developed. The impact on the community would be considerably less than that of the current proposal for the site. There would be no rush hour traffic and visiting nursing homes and participating in cultural activities generally occurs off peak in the afternoons and early evenings. The recreational amenity would obviously be used most at off-peak times. The interpretative centre could well become a prominent landmark for visitors from home and abroad wanting to know more about the recent history of Ireland, just as they do when visiting the nearby Cork City Gaol.