merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, today (Monday 17

October, 2011) launched a new publication in his Department’s Advice Series, entitled The Conservation of Places of Worship, at an event in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, with invited guests.

This booklet offers advice to both the owners and professionals, such as conservation architects on best practice relating to the conservation of churches and places of worship.The booklet is in addition to the existing eight booklets published since 2007 relating to the care of historic windows, ironwork, brickwork, roofs, general maintenance of older buildings, energy efficiency in traditional buildings, the conservation of masonry ruins and improving access to historic buildings and places.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Deenihan said the booklets of the Advice Series now available "provide excellent advice on how best to realise favourable outcomes in the historic built environment."

Referring to the newly launched booklet on the conservation of places of worship, Minister Deenihan commented that "Church buildings of various denominations constitute a substantial part of our architectural heritage and cultural patrimony. Places of worship are often the finest and most prominent buildings in their locality and, because of their particular architectural, historical and social interest, proposals to alter such buildings require careful consideration."

The Minister added "The churches and their communities have, through their stewardship, kept and maintained these structures in good order, often through difficult times, so that they are now part of our architectural heritage. It is recognised that generally this continues to be done effectively and with great care."

Minister Deenihan concluded by saying "I hope this Advice Series publication will play its part in extending the general advice offered on issues such as conservation principles, maintenance and materials in the series to date, to the issues particular to churches. The widest possible application of good conservation is important here, as churches are generally the largest and most complex buildings to be maintained within a community, requiring particular skills and sensitivity."

The Minister thanked everyone who assisted in producing the publication, including contributors, church bodies and the Advice Series editorial team in his Department.

Copies of this booklet – and the previous eight published - are available through the Government Publications Sales Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Irish bookshops or online from

and are priced at €10 each.