The approval of an additional €18,000 in funding for St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal has been welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. This funding is to be used for excavation works in the church following a very significant archaeological discovery.
“I am delighted that extra funding has been made available by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht to Cork County Council to allow for the remaining section of the of the church floor to be excavated, stabilised and reinstated. I am pleased also that the timeframe to draw down the funding has been extended to allow further archaeological study to be carried out,” said Deputy Stanton.
“This is a very important and unexpected find for Youghal. St Mary’s Collegiate Church is one of the oldest churches still in use in the country and the site has been used for religious worship since early Christian times. It is a huge asset to the history of Youghal and its value as a tourist attraction will be further enhanced following this archaeological discovery.
“This €18,000 allocation follows €60,000 granted in June and €20,000 in September this year, for urgent and essential conservation works to the Church and the boundary wall. I am very pleased that the Minister has been able to give the extra funding which will help to ensure this magnificent building will be preserved as such as fine example of our built heritage.
