Following on from a fire in the gate lodge within the old convent grounds in Mitchelstown at 9pm on Tuesday night, concern is being expressed that groups are congregrating in the old convent buildings that have been vandalised and are now derelict.

It was reported that smoke was seen rising from the gate lodge which lies to the right of the convent gates and two units of Mitchelstown Fire Brigade wore breathing apparatus and had the small fire under control in a reasonably short time. It is believed that the fire was started by some bedding in the building.

Residents in the area told The Avondhu that the windows of the gate lodge are all smashed and there are beer cans littered about the place. There is also a gap in the ditch, through which groups are gaining access to the premises.

Over the past few months, Timmy ‘The Rancher’ White has spoken out in The Avondhu about the deplorable state of dereliction that the convent is in.

Gardai are investigating the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025-82100.