Diocesan News
Funding boost for Raphoe Cathedral Restoration Project
The Cathedral Church of St Eunan’s in Raphoe is one of 13 projects in County Donegal benefiting from a Government scheme to protect historic structures and buildings. In total, €140,000 is being allocated to projects in the county, with the lion’s share – €80,000 – going to the St Eunan’s Cathedral Restoration Project. Taughboyne Church of Ireland Parish Church, in St Johnston, is also among the beneficiaries. The funding was confirmed by the Republic’s Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh.
The Dean of Raphoe, the Very Rev Arthur Barrett, has welcomed the announcement. “It is wonderful to get this news from Minister McHugh,” the Dean said. “We are truly delighted to have received this significant grant. It is a major boost to our Restoration Project. Very many thanks, indeed, to all concerned.”
These latest allocations of funding for Donegal were made from the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Minister McHugh said it was always a great boost to see Government investment in heritage and history, and even better when there was a great story behind some of the places.
“The €80,000 investment in preserving the Cathedral Church of St Eunan’s in Raphoe is a great example,” the minister said. “It’s brilliant to see the work of Dean Arthur Barrett and those involved in the restoration project getting the reward for the impressive plans.”
Among the other buildings being supported are The Laurels, at Gortnamucklagh near Glenties – which Brian Friel visited as a child and which inspired his famous work ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ – and Taughboyne Church of Ireland Parish Church, in St Johnston, which is getting €2,500 towards the replacement of outdated services.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org