Fundraising drive for major works at Westport church

Fr McDonnell aware times are ‘still very difficult’ for people

Áine Ryan

A MAJOR fundraising drive for essential renovations at St Mary’s Church, Westport, has been implemented, parish Administrator, Father Charlie McDonnell has confirmed to The Mayo News. Estimated to cost €1.5 million, the project cannot be sanctioned until there are clear indications that the money can be raised. It is expected the church will remain open during the works.
Details of parish finances, the various elements of the project and its future-proofing of St Mary’s church will be attached to a letter being sent to parishioners this week. The document confirms the parish has ‘about €350,000 at its disposal, which leaves a gap of €1.15m, some of which may be offset by grants’.
In his letter, Fr McDonnell confirms his appreciation that ‘times are still very difficult for so many’ people and that the parish finance committee is ‘not expecting anybody to give what they cannot afford’. He explains that volunteers will visit every house in the parish during the coming weeks ‘in the hope’ that they may be ‘in a position to help’.
A proposed contribution, for those who can afford it, of €25 per month over three years, which would culminate as a €900 donation, has been suggested, but smaller contributions are very welcome. The various options are outlined in the explanatory document.
“We hope that this work will see us in a position not to have to carry out further renovations for another 50 years. We are deeply appreciative of the way in which so many already support the parish in what are still for so many, difficult times,” Fr McDonnell said.

Essential works
FORTUNATELY, assessments have shown that the main roof does not have to be replaced but essential works include the flat roofs and the replacement of plasterboard ceilings deemed unsafe as a result of a partial collapse in July, 2015. The sanctuary’s back wall needs work as well as the stained-glass windows, some of the Stations of the Cross, fire escapes and the bell tower. The project also involves the removal of asbestos and the repainting of the church. Specialist scaffolding will be required both internally and externally.
The project will be put to tender as soon as the finance committee is confident that the necessary monies can be raised. The renovation is predicted to take about ten months to complete.