The Heritage Council of Ireland has offered funding of €25,000 from the Community Heritage Grant Scheme towards the repair and consolidation of Copper Steeple near Ballingarry.
The estimated cost of the works needed to fully restore the heritage monument is €41,000. Under the conditions of drawing down the funding from the grant scheme, the project must be completed this year however without the balance of €16,000 the works cannot be undertaken.
The Steeple is 96ft. (29.3M) high and built in 1863 so over 160 years old. In terms of repair, it needs scaffolding to the top for the heritage stone mason to consolidate the structure. Copper Steeple has been deteriorating for a number of years and in the past year several more large stones have dislodged and fallen from the top.
The steeple is a very recognisable landmark and beacon of the Slieveardagh Hills coalmining heritage.
Ballingarry community have asked that if you have a business and could sponsor a level of scaffolding to please get in touch with them. Other ideas such as local events in support of the project are welcomed by the community.
An iDonate page for the project has been set up here - https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/HelpSaveCopperSteeple...
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