DESPITE receiving a £40,000 conservation grant, one of Dublin's oldest churches, St Michan's, in Church Street, will have "no alternative but to close" unless it can raise a further £230,000 to restore its roof.
"If this happens, not only have we lost a substantial part of Dublin's and of Ireland's history but we have failed in securing our heritage for the next generation," said Canon David Pierpoint, of the church, which was founded in 1095.
"Unfortunately, local parishioners don't have the wherewithal to fund such a massive undertaking so we are left appealing for support from the personal and corporate communities and, in particular, from Government sources."
The £40,000 grant, under a special scheme for the restoration of historic buildings, was announced last week by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Ms Liz McManus. She said she hoped it marked a turning point.
Last year, there was widespread shock when the vaults of St Michan's - which contain numerous well-preserved bodies - were vandalised. Since then, the vaults, once a significant tourist attraction, have remained closed.
The church can boast a close connection with the 1798 rebellion and is also associated with Robert Emmet. Its organ was used by Handel to rehearse his Messiah before its premiere at the Fishamble Street Music Hall.
Mr Kieran Finnerty, managing director of the Dublin Brewing Company, on North King Street, said it would be "tragic if St Michan's was forced to close due to indifference and inertia... We cannot allow that to happen."
As a "wake-up call" to other businesses in the area, his company is organising a benefit for St Michan's on Friday, March 14th.
Further information: Tel: (01) 8728622, or the church: (01) 8724154.
