A well-known Ballaghaderreen man is expressing disappointment at proposed plan to turn the town’s historic convent into a mosque.

Pakistani businessman Mohammed Aslam has placed a bid on St Mary’s Convent, which was built in 1876 for the Sisters of Charity.

He wants to convert the protected structure, which measures more than 7,000 square feet, into a place of worship for Muslims.

The property, which includes a gate lodge and chapel, was recently placed on the market with a reserve price of €50,000 and will be auctioned shortly.

However, former councillor Michael Scally is unhappy at the proposal to turn it into a mosque.