Vital works begin for church restoration

WORK has finally began to restore one of the town’s most iconic buildings to its original beauty.

Contractors recently moved in to commence restoration at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane, after over three years of fund-raising.

Dubbed the ‘Church Restoration and Inclusive Participation Project’, the scheme aims to restore the church’s roof, gutters and drainage, and also to create a heritage exhibition space in the conference room above the sacristy, and around the church.

Those behind the project also admit that the vital works would not have been possible without a grant of £375,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

That windfall arrived last Christmas and at the time was described as “historic and momentous,” by parish priest, Fr Declan Boland.

Speaking this week, Fr Boland outlined his delight at the works beginning.

“This is a great time for our parish and I am delighted that the work has begun in restoring our magnificent church to its original beauty,” he said.

“Its architectural features are simply outstanding. This represents the first stage of a three-part phased project.

“The support from the community has been second to none and I know that support will be there until all phases of the restoration have been completed.”

Since the restoration fundraiser began just three years ago over £200,000 had already been raised through the community.
Lorraine Robinson, investment manager with The National Lottery Heritage Fund added, “The National Lottery Heritage Fund is always keen to support heritage organisations and projects to explore and involve everyone in heritage, and there is no better time for us to do this and connect through our historic environment.

“This project will not only restore the historic fabric of the church but will also bring the heritage of the church to life through the Community Heritage aspect of the project, which we find very exciting.

“It is thanks to players of the National Lottery that we can support projects like this one,” she explained.

“Congratulations to the Church of the Immaculate Conception and project team who have worked so hard to secure the funding and secure the future for this beautiful church.”