Students arrive at Waterford's Mount Melleray, as planning issues loom
Mount Melleray Abbey.
Mount Melleray Abbey shut its doors in January 2025 after almost 200 years in service to the community.
The abbey is now in the hands of Ave Maria University, and in recent weeks one hundred students from the Florida-based university arrived in west Waterford.
The site has become an outpost for the conservative Catholic higher-level institution, which has established a new campus on the grounds.
Beginning this autumn, the students will live and study at Melleray as part of the American university’s new semester-long Ireland programme.
Course offerings for students include classes on Irish Spirituality, Irish Saints, Ethics, Metaphysics and Sacred Doctrine.
In recent weeks, an opening mass took place at the Abbey to welcome the students. It is estimated that close to 1,000 guests attended.
Amidst this, however, planning issues have arisen, as planners in Waterford have sought additional information from the university regarding its plans for Melleray.
As reported by The Irish Times, Waterford City and County Council planners are seeking additional information on an application made by Ave Maria University’s newly formed Irish branch, Ave Maria Hibernia.
The planning application, made on July 23, sought to have the site exempt from seeking planning permission.
The Council have reportedly sought additional details on this application, including more information on “the nature and extent of internal works of repair that are being carried [out] prior to the reopening as referred to in the cover letter submitted”.
Planners are also seeking the creation of a report from a suitably qualified conservation professional confirming that the character of the Abbey will not be materially affected during its new use as a university.
