Court Abbey statue ‘ready to collapse’

A monument in Court Abbey Cemetery is “ready to collapse.”

Monday’s meeting of Sligo County Council heard of serious concerns amongst locals at the present condition of Court Abbey Cemetery near Mullinabreena.

Debating motions from Cllr Keith Henry and Cllr Margaret Gormley calling on action to be taken, the council heard of a commitment from Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran in August 2017 to make funding available for an assessment of works at the cemetery.

Cllr Henry called on the council to “take a lead” on the issue and do costings for work that needs to be carried out. “The monument is currently in a dangerous state and people are concerned that something might happen,” the councillor told the meeting.

Cllr Margaret Gormley referenced the visit of Minister Moran to the site on August 24 th 2017, when he made a commitment to allocate money. Cllr Gormley said she hoped the Minister would honour his commitment.

“It is ready to collapse,” said Cllr Dara Mulvey “People are fearful – if it does come down it will fall on existing burial grounds.” The motions were also supported by Cllr Paul Taylor and Cllr Thomas Healy.

Director of Infrastructure, Environment and Fire Services Tom Kilfeather responded saying that it was a significant monument which was worthy of keeping. He said repairing the monument would be a continuous project over a period of 3-5 years and would require an investment of at least €20,000 to conserve it before an application be made for an assessment. He said this was money the council did not have.

Cllr Margaret Gormley said she was calling on the Minister to provide this funding so an assessment could take place.