The Convent of Mercy (Westport Co Mayo) and its additional buildings and structures, including the summerhouse, despite being 'protected', have seen a steady and perilous decline since the Sisters Of Mercy vacated in 2008 & it was purchased by Mayo County Council, who are the current & liable owners. The damage has been caused by inherent neglect, 'mother nature' &also trespassers who have recently vandalised, wrecked and partially demolished the summerhouse to the point where you see it now, broken, defaced and derelict. 

I spent my childhood in the convent in the 1960's, and although the summerhouse belonged to the nuns, I would very much like to think that it could prevail in the face of adversity, as a reminder of what 'once was'…as an acknowledgement of times past, of lives lived and childhoods spent.

A restored summerhouse with 'signage' that details its history & that of the convent itself, if opened in daylight hours and given suitable security, could be a place of sanctuary for all, where people from all over the world could meet & rest, situated as it is along 'The Great Western Greenway'. 

PLEASE, sign this form:

We, the undersigned, call on Mayo County Council to ensure that the summerhouse is protected from further harm, restored to its former state, and maintained as it should be, safeguarded for the community, near and far & (more importantly) ensured its place in our childrens future.