This article is from page 23 of the 2012-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
ONGOING delays to the completion of a € 100,000 conservation job at the 13th century Ennis Franciscan Abbey have been branded a “disgrace”.
The Abbey has been closed to the public for three years to facilitate works carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
According to the OPW, the Abbey is expected to open in a limited way to the public in June.
A roof has been installed over the 18th century church in order to provide protection for the collection of carved features, which survive at Ennis Friary. The OPW also plans to improve visitor access at the site.
Authorities on medieval sculpture have highlighted the importance of the Friary’s unique collection, which contain a complete set of panels representing the 12 apostles and stages of the passion of Christ.
Since care of the Friary was vested in the Board of Works in the late 19th century, concern has been expressed about the vulnerability of the collection. However the duration of the works came in for strong criticism at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area.
Fine Gael councillor Tony Mulqueen said the closure of the Abbey is hurting tourism in Ennis. He said, “The amount of tourists standing up outside is amazing and they can’t even take a photo. It’s a disgrace.”
He added, “The Franciscans seem to have built the Abbey faster than the OPW can put up a few slates.”
Cllr Mulqueen, whose father kept the keys to the Abbey at his nearby business during the 1960s for use by visitors, requested an update on the works at yesterday’s meeting.
In his response, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea, stated, “The project is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works. We understand from contact with the OPW that there have been some delays in relation to the project at Ennis Friary. The discovery of a large number of burials where the floating foundations for glazing panels in the transcept were to be placed has resulted in a short delay.”
Mr O’Dea continued, “The intention is to open to the public in late June but in a limited way. The advantage is that the visitors will get to see the masons working and will see progress being made. The OPW is also looking at an extension to the season and some flexibility on charges.”