€30k restoration of St Anne's Church doors set to begin
Work is set to get underway on an iconic feature of St Anne's Church as part of a series of measures to preserve the iconic landmark.
Funding worth €30,000 from the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) will be used to restore the front doors of the church, which is located in Cork City's Shandon area.
The doors, which date back more than three centuries, have served as an entry point to worshippers, locals, and tourists over those years.
This restoration is part of a series of works identified in the Conservation Management Plan conducted last year. Funded by the Community Monument Fund, the plan outlined key preservation and conservation measures central to the building's longevity.
Reverend Meghan Farr from St Anne's Church described the importance of the work involved.
'The doors of St Anne's Shandon have stood as a symbol of welcome and openness for over three centuries.
They are not just a physical gateway but a reflection of our mission to embrace all who come through them. This restoration ensures that we can continue to extend that welcome for generations to come.
She thanked the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Cork City Council for their support.
The restoration work follows a recent allocation of €130,000 from the Community Monument Fund also run by the department. This funding will support phase one works identified in the Conservation Management Plan, which include repairs to the timber and metal structures supporting the bells.
The projects will complement urgent repairs to the clock face and mechanism with the help of a €250,000 grant awarded to Cork City Council under the Historic Structures Fund. This is part of a broader commitment to revitalising the Shandon area through strategic investment in its architectural heritage.
The church will be closed for construction during certain periods, details of which will be highlighted on the church website and its social media accounts.
For more information visit www.stanneshandon.ie
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