Time to return the railings at the front of St Peter’s Church

FOR many decades, large railings surrounded the front of St Peter’s Church, a real old style feature that still exists in many churches around the country.

Their main focus was security, but with the end of the railings, the steps of St Peter’s became a focal point for people and this year’s Fleadh showed just what a huge asset the church and its surrounds are to the centre of the town. But there’s real problems now. And it has come to a stage where the church authorities - whether they like it or not - may have to return the railings to the front of St Peter’s.

The area has become a serious risk to people, be they attending mass or visiting or working there.

Ceremonies have been disrupted at times, especially in the evenings and of course, a cross was stolen from one of the side altars in recent times.

Attractive railings with appropriate gates would certainly give the church a majesty again, but not help with photographs of the magnificent building.

St Peter’s is not alone when it comes to the threat of anti-social behaviour or theft. The Augustinian always advises people about praying and preying - the scourge of pick pockets, etc, always an issue when people go into the church to take some time out.