New Government guidelines require planning authorities to respect liturgical requirements in dealing with applications for alterations to the interiors of historic church buildings.
The guidelines were issued by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, following a meeting last week with senior representatives of the main Christian churches which agreed on a way forward on this contentious issue.
Some of the churches had complained that they were being prevented from carrying out liturgical alterations to the interiors of church buildings now listed as protected structures under the 2000 Planning Act.
The new guidelines, while recognising the importance of churches as part of Ireland's architectural heritage, introduce a more flexible regime under which planning authorities must take liturgical requirements into account.
This would include "recognising that churches may wish to adapt places of public worship in the light of contemporary revisions" of seating arrangements, space for baptismal fonts or the relocation of an altar table.
It would be "a matter of judgment" for any planning authority to decide whether some works necessitated by liturgical requirements which have a material effect on the character of the structure do not require planning permission.
"Planning authorities should consider whether any substantial structural changes or alterations to the existing plan form are required for the proposed alterations, for example, the subdivision of important existing spaces."
Any consequential effects in other parts of the building as well as any proposed removal or alteration or destruction of important fixtures and fittings such as galleries, box pews or fixed seating will require careful consideration.
"A church authority may also seek flexibility in the associated use of buildings and spaces within the curtilage [of a historic church] for processions, children's liturgy and Sunday school" without having to seek permission.
To ensure that an "appropriate balance" is struck between protecting the architectural heritage and the need for continued use of the protected structure as a place of worship, the guidelines advise early consultation.
The Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland and the Presbyterian Church will all be forming their own historic churches advisory committees, while the Methodists would deal with it through their conference.
Other religious denominations and communities with historic buildings designated as protected structures are being advised to initiate consultations through the local congregation with the appropriate religious authority.
In the case of redundant churches, the guidelines say consideration "may have to be given to permitting the removal of some fixtures and fittings", though for churches continuing in use these "should not necessarily be removed".
The Minister described the new guidelines as a positive development to support the efforts of the churches to maintain heritage buildings "for everyone's benefit".