Work underway on Kildare Church steeple damaged by storm in December 2023
Sky high scaffolding erected at Rathangan parish church
Scaffolding has been erected at the Church of Assumption and St Patrick, Rathangan to allow specialist repairs to be carried out on the damaged steeple.
The impact of Storm Elin in December 2023 damaged part of the turret, resulting in pieces of plaster falling to the ground from a great height. The church was cordoned off and a shipping container was used to gain access to the building, protecting church goers from any further debris that might have fallen.
Earlier this month, Fr Bill Kemmy announced work would begin on the repairs.
In a post on the Rathangan Parish Facebook page on June 4, he said; "As announced in the newsletter and at the Masses last weekend ... we are finally able to begin our repairs of the Church spire. In order to do this, we have to fence off the Church to create a safe work site for the scaffolding etc. No public entry allowed during the week. We expect that this will last for next c 8 weeks."
He added that weekend masses, funerals, weddings and baptisms would be catered for in the Church while the work is being undertaken. However, he noted weekday masses are being held in the Day Care Centre. During the work, the Parish Office/shop will be open (via the Church) on Saturdays (9:30am to 1pm) and Sundays (9:30am to 12 noon).