Irish monuments on ‘most at risk’ list

AN ancient Irish monastery and a fee-paying Leinster boarding school have been included in a list of the world's 100 most endangered heritage sites.

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) says Athassel Abbey near Golden, Co. Tipperary and Headfort House at Kells, Co. Meath are both in a race against time to save their historic features from decay.

In Athassel's case, the once proud 12th century headquarters of the Augustinian order is suffering accelerating deterioration due to centuries of rains, harsh winters and flooding of the river Suir.

The WMF says the damage wrought by the natural aging process, the constant damp and the onslaught of weeds and vegetation have been compounded by cattle grazing about the monument. It notes that despite being recognised as a national monument and having protected status, there is no conservation plan in place.

"A comprehensive solution involving all of Ireland’s heritage bodies is required to secure Athassel’s future," the organisation warns.

Headfort House, which is home to a private preparatory school, was built in the 1770s for the Earl of Bective and remained a family home until 1949 when it was leased to the school which bought it over fully in 1996.

By then, the WMF says: "the building was experiencing the effects of long-term deferred maintenance, such as severe water infiltration from leaky roofs and defective internal drainage, all of which were adversely affecting the basic structure of the house."

It says immediate finance is needed for a new roof and drainage system before any major conservation work can begin.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen yesterday promised to put together a rescue plan for Athassel Abbey while the owners of Headfort House are hoping the property's inclusion in the list will draw international attention to its plight and attract public or private support for its preservation.

The WMF list is compiled afresh every two years from nominations submitted by governments, private property owners and concerned individuals and conservation groups.

Inclusion in the list allows applications for grant aid from the New York-based charity but only a small percentage of sites receive direct financial help as the aim of the list is to highlight sites in trouble and garner support from the wider corporate, state and community sectors.

Only one other Irish entry has ever been included in the list. The 12th century St Brendan's Cathedral, built in honour of Brendan the Navigator near Loughrea, Co. Galway, received a grant of €100,000 for rescue works in 2000 as it was excluded from State funds by virtue of being an ecclesiastical property still in active use.