The Society of the Sacred Heart (Irish/Scottish Province) (‘the Province’) at Mount Anville, Goatstown, Dublin is to embark on the next ‘life-cycle’ stage of their 180- year creative journey in Ireland.

After years dedicated to the education and development of young girls in Ireland, the Province has decided to progress an innovative ‘age-friendly’ housing project on part (2.87 acres – 1.16 hectares) of their lands in the Goatstown area.

The overall lands at Mount Anville Estate in the Province’s ownership comprises approx. 8.23 hectares or 20.31 acres, which includes a significant road reservation. The Old Farmhouse and Lower Walled form approx. 14.1% of the Province’s lands on the Mount Anville Estate.

The housing project will have no negative impact on the educational and sports facilities associated with the Mount Anville Schools. The schools, under the auspices of the Mount Anville Sacred Heart Educational Trust, will continue to use and occupy their current buildings and facilities, including all sports facilities.

The Province is already engaged with Sophia Housing Association, an Approved Housing Body, and now seek suitable and experienced development partners to work with the Province and Sophia to realise the Province’s ‘age-friendly’ housing vision.

The Farmhouse and Lower Walled Gardens project will align and integrate the needs of the Province to provide appropriate housing for a small number of ageing sisters already living in the area, in common with Ireland’s national challenge to provide more innovative housing options for an ageing population.

The Province is seeking expressions of interest in a partnership for the development of this section of lands with the potential to deliver approx. 60 units, subject to planning permission.

The overall site is in two adjacent parcels, the ‘Old Farmhouse’ site, and the ‘Lower Walled Garden’ site. At present the sites are separated only by an access path.  This path will need to be extended to allow for use by members and staff of the Province: by pupils of Mt Anville Schools, in common with, in common with other owners/occupiers of any new scheme and the neighbouring Sophie Barat Residence.

The Province is keen to be transparent with key stakeholders and has advised the wider Goatstown community and immediate neighbours of its intentions. It will consult with various stakeholders during the process of securing a suitable partner.