Fr Robert Cojoc outlined that there had been significant damage to the transept roof by the tower, resulting in water getting into the walls.
In all, the cost of repairing the historic building, which dates back to he late 17th century, could run in excess of €170,000 – money that is not easy to come by for the Franciscans.
Having attended a meeting around the topic of saving the church and fundraising, Cllr Jim Codd brought the matter before the February meeting of Wexford County Council.
"I was at a meeting to save the Friary,” he said. “This is of huge concern to people. I mean this building survived Cromwell, we can’t allow it to fall down now.
"The Friary has served the people well over the years and provided a place of sanctuary. Now we need to return that kindness and do all we can to save this building.”
It seems organisation will be key and Director of Services Liz Hore suggested that there were potential funding streams available.
"We are aware that The Friary is in need of urgent repair,” she said. “A submission could be made for funding under the Historical Structure Fund.”
Various fundraisers have also popped up online and hopes are high that the campaign will gather momentum and come to a successful conclusion.
Destroyed by Cromwell’s army in 1649, The Friary was rebuilt approximately 43 years later and, save for occasional renovations, has stood untouched ever since.
Father Cojoc, who spoke to the Wexford People in January, said the building is now beginning to show its age.
“The main problem is in the transept by the tower, the ceiling is damaged, there’s water in the walls,” he says. “Some of the slates are slipping, some are cracked, there’s vegetation growing on the roof, it needs to be properly investigated, something needs to be done because the water is getting into the wall from the roof, so the whole roof needs to be checked.
"We need to fix the ceiling and the walls in the transept after we do the roof. I’ve had to close it because if it rains for three days in a row it gets really wet there and on one occasion a big piece of the plaster fell off from the ceiling, I’ve had to put a barrier there so that no one gets close to the door. So, the entire job involves checking all the roof, the transept, the chapel of St Anthony, the sacristy, even the porch roof.
“The quote I received was €170,000, that would pay for the stonemasons, roofers, carpenters, scaffolders, to hire a crane,” said Fr Cojoc.
“I’m trying to fundraise,” says Fr Robert. “We do have some funds here, people have made small donations over the years, but even if we fix the roof it doesn’t mean everything is done; we might need to re-plaster as well.”