Concerns that lighting up Laois church will disturb protected wildlife
Councillors support illumination of stunning church in Lacka
Suggestions for the illumination of a local church in Laois have been met with caution, with concern that such features may disturb local wildlife.
Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin tabled a motion to the council that they engage with Clonenagh Parish to explore the possibility of illuminating the church building at Lacka, Mountrath.
The councillor suggested that these works would enhance the appearance and heritage of the area.
Laois County Council’s Heritage Office replied that they will work with relevant stakeholders to explore this possibility, but such works are generally not recommended.
“Illuminating historic buildings is not usually recommended due to the impact this can have on wildlife in the immediate vicinity, in particular bat and bird species that may use the buildings for roost or nesting,” the Heritage Office said.
Cllr Bergin thanked the office for their response, but expressed his disappointment with the reply.
“It’s a bit disappointing. I was contacted by some members of the church, they’re very proud of it. It’s an active church, there’s a lot of history there in the area,” Cllr Bergin said.
“It is a significant and beautiful building, they keep it very well. I was asked if it could be illuminated. There are other buildings and churches around that are illuminated, Aghaboe Abbey for example,” the councillor pointed out.
“I know we have notices in full County Council meetings to illuminate the Rock of Dunamase, it comes up regularly. At that particular junction where it is located in Lacka, it would really stand out. I welcome the opportunity for the heritage office to meet with myself and a few of the committee members out there, and we’ll take a look at it. It would do a lot for the area,” Cllr Bergin said.
This motion was seconded by Cllr James Kelly, who gave his full support. Cllr Kelly noted that Aghaboe is not considered a church building, while the church in Lacka is.
“Around Lacka there could be an effect on the bat and bird species because of the amount of forestry around, you don’t have that in Aghaboe. I fully support it, you could use some of your discretionary fund, but you probably need some kind of a survey,” he said.
Cllrs John King, Seamus McDonald and Ollie Clooney also supported the motion.
“I’d like to support it. We have an old farmhouse and we have bats,” Cllr Clooney said.
“We also have lights, and as long as I remember, the lights never interfered with them. There were dogs barking, cattle bawling and a few shouts of cattle straying and the bats were still there. I support this,” he said.
Cllr Bergin noted that the church committee is very proud of the building, and that the councillors will do whatever they can and support them.
This motion was tabled at a June sitting of Laois County Council’s Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.