Major work is being planned for St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Blackrock.
Parish Priest Fr Padraig Keenan has recently applied to Louth County Council for planning permission to construct a new site entrance to the church, located on the southside of the building at the position of the present confessional.
The existing confessional structure would be demolished and re-configured to form an ambulant and wheel chair accessible single storey porch with new glazed doors and screens.
Additional space would also be allocated in the Nave to allow for improved circulation for safe entry and exit.
Other works will include the upgrading of the mechanical and electrical system of the buildings and the re-decoration of all spaces.
There will also be alterations to the existing Sanctuary with a relocation planned of the existing Altar and the reinstatement and restoration of existing mosaic floor at the altar rails.
Alterations will also be made to the Sacristy building with a porch added to the main entrance door and the existing PVC windows replaced with hardwood.
It is also planned to relocate the existing plant room to a new detached single storey A-pitched structure to the rear of the Sacristy.
This building will also accommodate a wheelchair accessible toilet and bunded oil storage room. The existing oil storage tank to the rear of the church would be removed.
On the ground works would include a new layout of the existing car park to include an additional two disabled car parking spaces and improved pedestrian access.
Louth County Council are due to decide on the matter by February 24th.
