INTERNAL restoration work in the historic Cathedral of St Michael and St John is scheduled to start next week.
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Dean of the Cathedral Fr Paul Devitt said the work was needed for the cathedral’s long-term survival.
A lack of airflow under the building has left it always damp. If not addressed, the cathedral could be rendered unusable within 15 years.
“The building needs consistent airflow underneath to keep the ground as dry as possible,” Fr Paul said.
“To achieve this we need to replace the concrete floors of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Sacristy with wooden flooring.”
To facilitate the restoration work the cathedral will be closed from Monday, July 3 before reopening in time for evening mass on Friday, July 7.
During that week, Monday and Wednesday evening mass will be held in the Parish Centre.
Fr Paul said parishioners would notice some changes when the cathedral reopened.
“The work area around the Sanctuary, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Sacristy will be screened off,” he said.
“A temporary Sanctuary will be set up in front of the current Sanctuary, and the pews will be rearranged to suit this.”
An altar, ambo, cathedra and presider’s chair will be set up on the temporary Sanctuary.