The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Restoration of Derrycunnihy church is now underway
FUNDING of €260k has been allocated for a revamp of Derrycunnihy Church on the Molls Gap Road, to protect the structure, which has fallen prey to storm damage and deterioration over the years.
The church, which was built in circa 1890, was most probably commissioned by the Earl of Kenmare. It is included in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage survey of Kerry as being of ‘regional’ significance on account of its architectural, artistic, historical and social special interest. It is a protected structure and has become a roost for a number of protected species, including the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and a number of barn owls and swallows. Carrying out these works will help protect not only the historic church but also conserve wildlife in the region.
The cost of the conservation project is expected to be circa €260k and is being funded by both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Historic Structures Fund of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Work began on the church earlier this month, and it is expected to be completed by April, but this is dependent on weather conditions as well as the intricate nature of the works.
The Department of Heritage stated that there are a number of very “particular and complex” environmental and conservation challenges with regard to the project.
Not least of these challenges is that the repairs must take place in winter and outside of the wildlife-roosting period.
The proposed conservation works are essential repairs to stabilise and safeguard the church, with the primary focus being roof repairs including the re-slating of the roof with salvaged and new natural slate; repair of distinctive historic metal ridge plates; installation of new rainwater goods; and repair of internal doors.
As part of the works, information panels are shortly to be erected to explain to the general public the importance of the church and the wildlife habitats. Carrying out these conservation works will safeguard the structure, which is an important part of the cultural tourism offering in Killarney, the Department said in a statement to
The Kerryman.
Following a tendering process, Castleisland-based Madden and Mangan Construction Ltd were appointed to carry out the works on the church. Kevin Blackwood and Rosie Smallwood of Blackwood Associates Architects are advising the NPWS on the conservation repairs, while Pat O’Leary of Malachy Walsh and Partners is advising on the structural repairs required. Plans are underway to present the project to local architects, engineers, conservation officers, Kerry County Council staff and students as part of training days to be hosted by the NPWS and Kerry County Council.