30 July 1997
Church grounds to be opened to the public
By Tom Gillespie
The restoration and the opening up of the grounds surrounding Christ Church, Castlebar is part of a major drive to make the area more accessible to the public. But it will cost almost £200,000 to have the Church, which was built in 1739, and the grounds brought up to standard.
A detailed examination of the building shows that urgent works are required. But they will enhance the Church and make it a tourist attraction.
It is planned to convert the existing tower to a publicly accessible viewing balcony from which spectacular views of present day Castlebar would be overlaid with orientation panels explaining the history of the town.
But vast internal works have to be undertaken to ensure that the Church will last another two-and-a-half centuries.
Part of the roof has to be replaced, a chemical damp proof course at ground level is necessary to stop the spread of rising ground water.
The restoration of plaster work is also necessary as is the overhaul and renewal of the windows including the stained glass windows of the main aisle and the transepts.
A survey undertaken by Mayo County Councils recommends the restoration, refurbishment and landscaping of the Church grounds proper, including interpretative material on the perimeter of the Church and the development of a new pedestrian link from the main town post office to the offices of Mayo County Council with a number of casual seating points along the way.
"This would make the entire complex more open, more accessible, and its continuing importance as one thread in our multifarious Irish heritage more readily understandable to all those who visit it."
The overall cost of the restoration project is in the region of £200,000 and a local fund raising committee have been put in place to raise the cash.
It is hoped that groups, organisations or individual professions would sponsor various aspects of the work.
Anyone interested in taking on such a project should contact Derek Carson who is secretary to the fund raising committee on 094-24108.
Or Donations to the fund can be made to account number 64036555 at the Bank of Ireland, Castlebar.
