Laois abbey committee lodge plans for new information sign at historic site

The Aghaboe Abbey Preservation Committee has lodged plans with Laois County Council to erect a new history information sign and a pedestrian opening in the existing carpark wall at the historic site.

The committee is celebrating the 50th Anniversary this year of their existence and their association with Salzburg, Austria, where the former Abbot of Aghaboe St Fergal went as missionary and founded Christianity there.

They are seeking permission to "erect a site-history information sign, a pedestrian opening in the existing carpark wall and associated site works. The proposed works are in the curtilage of a protected structure."

The application to the Council states: "The committee have made many great achievements over the years including the preservation and conservation of the Abbey ruin. The abbey is a must visit for hundreds of tourists every year and is known nationally.

"One of the projects that the committee are proposing this anniversary year, is the erection of a site history information sign to explain better the site's history to locals and visitors alike. They have collaborated with Thomas Carolan, the Laois County Council Heritage Officer and an artist to produce the graphic for this signage.

 "The structure is to be of stainless steel and located close the carpark wall adjacent to the graveyard entrance. It is also proposed to create a breach in the carpark wall at this location to allow carpark users safer access to the ruins and the graveyard."

The committee said the carpark wall, proposed to be breached for a 1200mm access, is of random rubble, and of a later date to the taller graveyard wall. It is proposed to take it down to ground level and not below to create the access gap. 

"The sign itself is of a sleek modern design and non-intrusive, the two up-rights will be anchored in the ground close to the base of the carpark wall," the planning document outlined. 

"There is no anticipated impact on the adjacent protected structure or National Monument. It is anticipated that the proposed sign and access gap in the wall will make a visit to the site more educational and practical, and spread the knowledge of Aghaboe and its rich history to a wider range of people."