'Deeply appreciated' - Parish priest conveys gratitude one year on from church fire

Progress on the rebuilding of a Donegal church destroyed by fire last year is moving “steadily and purposefully,” according to the local parish priest.

Doirí Beaga awoke last Easter Monday, April 21, to the sight of the Teach Pobail Mhuire in tatters following the overnight blaze and while Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh admits there is still a “considerable amount of work to be done,” he credited the local community for their support thus far.

“Today Easter Monday marks the first anniversary of the fire which destroyed St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg, the parish is conscious of the deep loss experienced by the entire community over the past year,” he posted.

“At the same time, this anniversary also marks an important point in the journey from devastation towards rebuilding, and it is timely to update the community on the progress that has now been made.

“Since the fire, Meitheal Mhuire, on behalf of the parish community and under the guidance of the diocese of Raphoe, has been engaged in extensive work to ensure that the rebuilding project proceeds in a careful, professional, and orderly manner. From the beginning, the intention has been to rebuild on the existing church site, and a substantial amount of preparatory work has now been carried out to move that objective forward.

“An important part of that process was the public consultation, which provided an opportunity for parishioners and the wider community to contribute their views and priorities in relation to the new church. That engagement was both valuable and constructive, and it has helped inform the emerging vision for the project.

“The parish has appointed Karl Pedersen, Architect (Mullarkey Pedersen Architects), to lead the design of the new church. Work on the concept design is now at an advanced stage, and in due course the architect will present the developing design to the community. Following completion of that phase, the next step will be the preparation of the detailed tender documentation, which will allow the project to proceed to tender and thereafter to the appointment of a building contractor.

READ NEXT: Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic makes its way to Donegal this evening

“The parish has also appointed Eugene Coyle, Quantity Surveyor (Coyle, Doherty & Company), who is currently assisting in the preparation of the parish’s insurance claim. That process is also well advanced, and it is hoped that it will be finalised over the coming weeks. Thereafter, the Quantity Surveyor will continue to support the project through cost planning, financial oversight, and management of the financial aspects of the build.

“These developments represent significant progress. While there remains a considerable amount of work to be done, the project is moving steadily and purposefully through the necessary stages of design, financial preparation, and pre-construction planning. The parish is committed to ensuring that this process is carried out properly and that the new church will be built on strong foundations, both practically and financially. The support, patience, and faith of the parish community throughout this difficult period have been deeply appreciated. Further updates will be provided as progress continues.”