Glendalough blaze a massive blow to plans for God’s Cottage
Future plans for God’s Cottage are up in the air after a fire severely damaged two sheds located on the Glendalough site.
A local trader was allowed store his trailer in the sawmill yard located in God’s Cottage but the stall was completely burnt out after a ‘suspicious’ fire last week. The blaze also spread to the two sheds, burning them out completely as well.
Fr Thady Doyle says the destruction of both sheds has left future plans for God’s Cottage in limbo.
‘ These sheds had historic significance having served the saw mill industry in Glendalough for 150 years.
‘One of them had fine stone walls and a slate roof, which apart from one hole, was in good condition. The roof is now completely gone and the walls left exposed to the elements.
‘Our plan had been to have that shed renovated and to have the other shed replaced when our finances permitted.
‘Now unless we can succeed in quickly getting planning permission and somehow coming up with the funds, even the fine stonewalled slate roofed building will be fully lost,’ said Fr Doyle. ‘ The stone walls in one of the sheds are completely exposed, which will just result in further damage unless something is done quickly.’
The God’s Cottage Committee purchased the two acres at the back of the cottage two years ago at a cost of €300,000 and are still paying off the loan involved.
‘Since we bought the field our plan has been to turn it into a meditation/relaxation park, with a river walk,’ said Fr Doyle.
‘Many elderly people, when they come to Glendalough, and large numbers of elderly and infirm people come to God’s Cottage, are unable to climb the steps into the ancient monastic city.
‘If we can get the funds, and get planning permission for parking, we could provide them with a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
‘We always had an idea that it should be turned into a community building with a spiritual aspect. We have also been trying to getting planning permission for a small lounge at the back of God’s Cottage, so that elderly and infirm people who come to us have somewhere to relax indoors.
‘So far we have been unsuccessful in getting planning permission.’
God’s Cottage has been open for four years and includes a prayer centre which can comfortably seat up to 50 people.
Attached to the Prayer Centre is a spacious repository with inspiring Christian books, religious objects, and items of a spiritual nature suitable for gifts.
The committee is also investigating to see if insurance covers the damage caused to both sheds.
Meanwhile, Fr Doyle has extended his sympathies to Mike Quinn, the trader whose stall was purposefully set alight.
‘Mike has lost his livelihood because of this attack and we just pray he is back in business as soon as possible.’