Proposed Sale of Tuamgraney Parish House
Information for Parishioners | 20 October 2026
Dear Parishioners,
We are writing on behalf of the Bodyke Tuamgraney Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Committee to
share an important update concerning the future of Tuamgraney Parish House.
Following careful consideration, the Bodyke Tuamgraney Pastoral Council passed a formal resolution on 19
October 2026 supporting the proposed sale of the property to Clare County Council for an agreed sum of
€230,000, subject to diocesan approval.
This proposal has been considered with two priorities in mind: protecting the long-term interests of the parish
and ensuring that the Parish House continues to serve the local community.
The Parish House and its role in the community
Tuamgraney Parish House is a six-room detached house with an attached garage. Built before 1970, the
property has a BER rating of E. It was originally used as a residence for the curate and parish priest.
Over the past 20 years, the house has accommodated the parish office two days each week and has also been
made available to local groups for meetings and other gatherings.
The house therefore has an important place in the life and history of the parish. A central consideration in
examining its future has been the desire to retain these valued community uses.
Why the sale is being proposed
Changes in how local parishes are organised, together with the declining number of active clergy, mean that
the house is not expected to be required as a residence for a priest or parish administrator in the foreseeable
future.
The property requires investment to bring it to current energy-efficiency and safety standards. Transferring
ownership to Clare County Council would allow the building to be upgraded while relieving the parish of the
associated maintenance, insurance, security and repair costs.
The proposal would also allow parish resources to be focused on maintaining our two parish churches, the
Parochial House in Bodyke and the ministries that serve the wider parish community. The appropriate
diocesan contribution would be made from the sale proceeds, with the remaining proceeds placed in a
restricted parish fund.
Protecting the house’s community purpose
Rather than offering the property for sale on the open market, the parish has negotiated directly with Clare
County Council. This approach offers an opportunity to protect the building’s community function while
securing its future maintenance and improvement.
• The existing community uses of the house will be retained, including the parish office and meetingroom
facilities.
• Clare County Council will assume responsibility for the property, including its ongoing running,
maintenance and insurance costs.
• The house and site will be upgraded to current standards, with the Council working in conjunction with
a local committee as proposals for the site develop.
Proposed Sale of Tuamgraney Parish House | 20 October 2026
• Future plans will be shared with the community, allowing local people to remain informed and involved.
These commitments mean that the proposed sale is not intended to end the Parish House’s role in the
community. Instead, it offers a positive opportunity to secure its continued use, improvement and
maintenance for the future.
Community engagement and next steps
We appreciate that parishioners and members of the wider community may have questions or concerns. At
this early stage, detailed development plans are not yet available. The current commitment from Clare County
Council is to purchase the property and retain its existing uses into the future.
Anyone who wishes to raise a question or submit a comment may do so in writing to Fr Kieran. Having
considered the responses received, the Bodyke Tuamgraney Pastoral Council may arrange a public meeting
for interested parishioners and community members.
We believe this proposal provides a responsible and positive way forward: preserving the Parish House as a
community resource, enabling investment in the property and helping the parish direct its resources towards
active churches, ministries and pastoral needs.
Further information will be shared with parishioners as the proposal progresses through the necessary
approval and planning stages.
Bodyke Tuamgraney Pastoral Council
Parish Finance Committee