The Minister for Public Works Dr Martin Mansergh has said that the
maintenance work currently taking place at one of Ireland's most famous
ecclesiastical sites is essential.
Dr Mansergh , who is also a TD for South Tipperary, said that the
work currently taking place at Saint Cormac's Chapel in the Rock of
Cashel is essential.
He said that if the work does not take place,
“There is a risk of what has happened in Pompeii recently, where a
historic structure collapsed happening in Ireland.”
Mr Mansergh was responding to queries concerning the length of time
that scaffolding will be in place as based on previous experience, the
scaffolding can often remain in place for up to 12 years even though the
entire building was built in just eight years.
According to Minister Mansergh, “The temporary roof with access
scaffolding now in place will allow the building to dry out and
facilitate conservation and repair work to its sandstone fabric and help
the long-term conservation of the wall paintings.”
He added, “The presence of scaffolding advertises the fact that
conservation works are taking place. Stirling Castle and Roslyn Chapel
in Scotland seem to have perpetual covered scaffolding, while
scaffolding is always in evidence in Hampton Court, Westminster Abbey
and the Tower of London.”
While most of the buildings that now survive in the Rock of Cashel
date from the 12th and 13th century's it is also thought that it was
also the site where the King of Munster was baptised by Saint Patrick in
the 5th century.