Ruth Hogan

Planning permission has been granted by Ballina Town Council to erect a bell tower at St Patrick's Church in the town to commemorate over 150 years of service by the Sisters of Mercy. Following a design competition in which 16 proposals were submitted, St Muredach's Trust selected Castlebar-based company, Axo Architects, as the winning designers.

Managing Director of the company, Michael Horan explained that the tower will act as ''a new amenity for the community, representing not only the contribution of the convent but also that of every sister, to the Ballina community''.

The Mercy Sisters came to Ballina directly after the famine in 1851 and set up schools, a community care support system and took over the workhouse. The convent was closed last as part of a rationalisation of the congregation's houses in the county.

Mr Horan explained that the tower will feature ''a large stone plinth, which extends to form a seat, from which springs three blocks, representing the three main strands of the Sisters of Mercy's good work in Ballina-caring for the sick, helping the needy and giving the gift of education''.

The design also features markings in the base which ''represents each one of the sisters that gave so much to the Ballina community over the years.''

Mr Horan said, ''We are presently preparing tender documents and we hope to start on site in late September if possible''. The estimated cost of the structure is €50,000.