Christ
Church Cathedral, Waterford is reaching out to embrace the artistic,
business, cultural, ecumenical and musical life of the city following the
announcement of a £1 million conservation and development grant by
Minister of State Martin Cullen TD.
The Minister said: “ The Cathedral is the only neo-classical Georgian
Cathedral in Ireland and has huge historical and architectural
significance for the City of Waterford.
“Following the refurbishment to the Cathedral it will be possible to
use the area as an events facility and it will be a great asset to the
City.”
Dean Peter Barrett described the Office of Public Works grant as ‘most
generous’.
He
continued: “Our vision for this historic place is as a centre for prayer
and praise and in the same breath of the Spirit as it were, we seek to
reach out to embrace the artistic, business, cultural, ecumenical and
musical life of this ancient and developing City.
“In supporting the challenge of conserving this building, the
Government is reflecting that which is commonplace elsewhere on the
continent of Europe: namely, that our great buildings are not the preserve
of any particular group or tradition, but are the heritage of the nation,
to be richly shared and enjoyed by all citizens fortunate enough to have
them in their midst.”
The phased Restoration Plan for the Cathedral involves works to both
the interior and exterior of the building including the rebuilding of the
existing Elliot organ. The Office of Public Works will manage the project. |