No timeframe for completion of works at St Columba's Church

A Government Minister has said his department cannot provide a date for the completion of works at St Columba's Church, which is a National Monument in State care that houses the Durrow High Cross.

The church is located on the grounds of Durrow Abbey eight kilometres to the north of Tullamore.

Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Jack Chambers, was responding to representations on the matter from Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan.

The Church was closed in 2020 due to concerns with the building fabric and the safety of visitors. Investigations and surveys were subsequently commissioned in order to inform the necessary conservation and repair works.

“I really would like to see a greater level of urgency accorded to these works given that it is now five years since the Church was closed.

“I understand from the minister that remedial works will be undertaken to the floor and pews by OPW carpenters, joiners and work staff of the Trim District under the direction of OPW conservation architects.

“However, as the planning programming of this project continues, visitors can still view the Durrow High Cross from a screen at the Church entrance doors.

“I do accept that even from the OPW perspective this is not satisfactory for visitors.

“The minister has assured me that while it is not possible to give an exact date for the completion of these works, they will remain priority project in 2025 for the District Works Team.

“I will certainly be monitoring the works closely and I will also be working to see if we can have Durrow Abbey House itself opened to the public. The church and Durrow High Cross along with the Abbey House are outstanding historical and cultural resources that we must protect and cherish for future generations,” said Deputy Nolan.