Falling masonry forces part-closure of cathedral

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Archiseek / Ireland / News / 2008 / January 13

When worshippers at St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Co Cork, gaze heavenwards during Mass, they are as likely to be considering falling masonry as spiritual matters. The magnificent Pugin cathedral, set high above Cobh harbour, has been undergoing renovations for 15 years, but now a large section of the cathedral has had to be closed to the public because of collapsing stonework. Although millions of euro have been spent on repairs, figures released last week show that most of the money collected for the restoration is going on professional fees. According to accounts filed with the Companies Office by the Cobh Cathedral restoration fund, €358,305 was paid to building contractors between 2000 and 2006,while €367,605 was spent on professional fees, advertising and promotions. In 2006 alone, €148,000went on professional fees, while just €4,000 was spent on the cathedral bells.

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