Protests over Carlow cathedral plan

WORK on the redesign of the altar area of Carlow Cathedral will begin in October, almost three years after the controversial changes were first proposed, and despite continued opposition.

Dr Laurence Ryan, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, said the controversy over the proposed redesign had been a "painful time for many people". The consultation process had gone on for two years and to continue at this stage would "benefit nobody", he said.

Tender documents were issued yesterday to potential contractors for the work, which will cost £1 million, two thirds of it for roof repairs and general redecoration.

Last night a group of 500 parishioners opposed to the changes held a protest march to the bishop's palace and handed in a petition signed by 6,000 people against what they termed the "desecration" of the cathedral.

The controversy centres on the bishop's proposal to modernise the interior of the cathedral, which originally included removing the old high altar and putting the tabernacle, which holds the communion host, on a side altar. The communion rails would also be removed and the bishop's throne would be placed in the sanctuary area. The carved wooden pulpit would also be removed.

Sustained opposition to the changes led to the establishment of a forum, chaired by Dr Miriam Hederman O'Brien. The forum looked at the plans, all the documents relating to the cathedral and the statements from various groups, and visited churches around the country.

The forum recommended that the old high altar remain in place and the tabernacle stay on the high altar. Dr Ryan said he hoped people would live with that in a spirit of harmony.

The architect for the project, Mr Richard Pierce, said yesterday he was very concerned with "visual integrity" and believed the changes "have not compromised the architecture visually".

Some of the altar railings would be kept for sentimental reasons and he believed the work could be done tastefully. He understood the views of those against the transformation of the cathedral. He added, however, that "if Dr Ryan wasn't such a sensitive bishop he would have bulldozed the changes through."