Donation page for iconic Tipperary landmark closes with almost €20,000 raised

The iDonate page for the Ballingarry Copper Steeple is closed, as of September 1.

Due to fantastic community support, donations have exceeded €19,000.

This was a tremendous community effort.

The support for this fundraiser proves that Ballingarry's coal mining heritage and the memory of the miners really does matter.

The community helping to save the iconic Copper Steeple so it can stand tall and proudly on the Slieveardagh Coalfield for a long time to come.

As the preparation and planning for the project has advanced, the costings for the project have increased.

The cost of scaffolding, associated ground-works and the relocation of the high voltage ESB lines are all adding to the original target.

The ESB lines have to be temporarily relocated because of their close proximity to the steeple, which is a health and safety necessity.

The community wishes to thank all 157 individuals, families and fundraisers who have donated.

The iDonate page has closed so the money may be drawn down and along with the Community Heritage Grant monies.

The project will progress once the lines are safely moved away from the steeple.

In the event there is money in excess of that needed to complete the project, it will be used for a plaque commemorating the miners who lost their lives in the mines.