The nuns at St Benedict’s Priory in Cobh say the apples from the Bible Garden are a vital source of income for the upkeep of their convent.

The apples are used to make chutneys, which are sold at the convent’s Oasis Tea Room.

The Prioress of the Mount, Mother Catherine, said she and her fellow nuns are distraught following the theft.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, James O’Connor, said he has spoken to gardaí about the theft.

“Our understanding is that a number of other gardens in the area have experienced similar incidents over the weekend,” he said.

The Office of Public Works has agreed to “step in and provide assistance” to the nuns by replacing the stolen fruit with apples from a nearby orchard on an OPW-owned site at Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill.

This assistance will help plug the funding gap for the nuns, he said.