An order of nuns has gifted a site for a major new housing development in the heart of Portlaoise town.

The Presentation Sisters offered their former convent site to the local authority free-of-charge.

Their only stipulation was that the site be used for social housing for the benefit of the community.

The residential development envisages 52 dwelling units and will be prioritised for elderly and disabled people.

John Whelan of LaoisToday.ie gave details of the reaction of local officials at a town council meeting this week.

Chairman, Cllr Willie Aird acknowledged the role of the nuns in providing the site free of charge to the community and the emphasis they had placed on social inclusion in any development.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly described the project as fantastic and it was high praise too for the nuns from Cllr Mary Sweeney.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said the plans for the redevelopment of the old convent site were the best she had ever seen and she commended the Presentation order for the outstanding contribution and donation they had made to the community.

Cllr Noel Tuohy observed that the clergy often come in for a lot of criticism and this was an example of the great work they do.