Church Building in Laois eyed for illumination
Laca Church
A CHURCH in Lacca, Mountrath is being eyed for illumination following residents of the local Clonenagh parish reaching out to Cllr Connor Bergin about the over 1,400 years old parish church, which has inspired great pride among Mountrath residents down the years.
The proposed illumination is part of a local campaign seeking to enhance the appearance and heritage of the historic area.
The proposal was brought to the latest meeting of the Borris-in-Ossorry/Mountmellick municipal district by Fine Gael councillor Conor Bergin and was seconded by Cllr James Kelly. In response, the area office said that the Laois Co Council heritage officer would work with Clonenagh parish and all other relevant stakeholders to explore options around enhancing the buildin’sg overall presentation and associated lighting but also cautioned that the historical cost of illuminating old buildings like the Lacca church was often prohibitive.
In addition, while Cllr Kelly did support the motion, he also expressed concerns for the affects such nighttime lighting would have on local wildlife; the acres surrounding the church and road are a dense woodland managed by the Irish woods agency Coillte and, as such, are home to many animals that could be unduly affected by the lighting.
