Conservation report sets out staged rescue plan for Sligo's crumbling medieval Killaspugbrone Church

A large crowd gathered at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill last week for an information evening on the future of Killaspugbrone Church, the medieval ruin that stands on the shoreline close to Sligo Airport. The evening was organised by Strandhill Community Development Association to share the findings of a conservation report on the church and to open a discussion with locals on what should happen next. The report was prepared by conservation architect Duncan McLaren of Dedalus Architecture, who presented his findings to the meeting. Read more Plan to turn former derelict Summerhill College building into student accommodation The report sets out the condition of the structure, the points where it is most at risk, and a staged plan for its care. Among the next steps outlined on the night were agreement of the plan with the relevant consultees, partnership with Sligo County Council, an application to the Community Monuments Fund for vegetation management, structural bracing and masonry consolidation, and securing Ministerial Consent and the necessary environmental screening before any work begins on site. Priority repairs would be carried out under archaeological supervision, with the plan reviewed periodically as it is implemented. Read more Warning that N17 from Bellaghy to Ballinacarrow is 'in dire straits' as focus turns to new route One of the main outcomes of the evening was the formation of a Friends of Killaspugbrone Church group, set up on the night to carry the project forward and keep the community involved at every stage. Cllr Fergal Nealon, who attended the meeting, welcomed the work done so far. I will be working with Sligo County Council to make sure the site gets the priority it deserves. 'This was a really positive first step. Killaspugbrone has stood on that shore for centuries and the size of the crowd on the night told you everything about how much the place means to people in Strandhill and across Sligo. 'Credit is due to John Barlett and David McCoy of Strandhill Community Development Association, the sub-committee and the Parish Council for getting this far, and to Duncan McLaren for a clear and practical report. 'There is a long road ahead, with consents, funding and tendering all to be worked through, but the community now has a plan and a group behind it. I will be working with Sligo County Council to make sure the site gets the priority it deserves.' Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Killaspugbrone Church group or supporting the project is encouraged to contact Strandhill Community Development Association. Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.