CONSERVATION work by the OPW on historic Ennis Friary
has been described as "the mutilation of one of the country’s most
important national monuments".
Author of acclaimed history of the Famine in Clare,
Sable Wings over the Land, historian Dr Ciarán Ó Murchadha hit out at
the OPW works, describing the so-called secretive restoration as "the
Disneyfication of the old friary ruin in Ennis".
Works were due to be completed on the €100,000 project in 2010.
However, they are still continuing and the scheme is expected to be completed this year.
OPW-employed staff are putting a modern roof on the 18th century Protestant church built within the walls of the medieval nave to provide cover for the significant collection of medieval carved stone features within the remains of the friary.
The rich collection of carved stone includes the Creagh Tomb, Ecce Homo and Royal Tomb Canopy and also has remains of wall paintings.
According to a spokeswoman for the OPW, the works followed the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan for the national monument.
She said: "The design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of this church and the consultant engineer confirms that its lightweight structure will have a minimal impact on the original walls.
"The design does not attempt to ‘restore’ or interfere with the medieval elements of the friary."
The OPW spokeswoman added: "The proposal is ‘minimalist’ in design in accordance with best modern conservation practice. The timber and stonework elements are being carried out by the OPW expert design and craft team.
"Costs are being maintained within the approved National Development Plan budget limits and are in line with existing severe resource restrictions.
"The site is closed to visitors for the duration of the project and a public information notice is erected on the perimeter."
Works were due to be completed on the €100,000 project in 2010.
However, they are still continuing and the scheme is expected to be completed this year.
OPW-employed staff are putting a modern roof on the 18th century Protestant church built within the walls of the medieval nave to provide cover for the significant collection of medieval carved stone features within the remains of the friary.
The rich collection of carved stone includes the Creagh Tomb, Ecce Homo and Royal Tomb Canopy and also has remains of wall paintings.
According to a spokeswoman for the OPW, the works followed the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan for the national monument.
She said: "The design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of this church and the consultant engineer confirms that its lightweight structure will have a minimal impact on the original walls.
"The design does not attempt to ‘restore’ or interfere with the medieval elements of the friary."
The OPW spokeswoman added: "The proposal is ‘minimalist’ in design in accordance with best modern conservation practice. The timber and stonework elements are being carried out by the OPW expert design and craft team.
"Costs are being maintained within the approved National Development Plan budget limits and are in line with existing severe resource restrictions.
"The site is closed to visitors for the duration of the project and a public information notice is erected on the perimeter."
SIC: IEX/IE