An Bord Pleanála undermined autonomy, says bishop

THE constitutional autonomy of religious orders may have been undermined by An Bord Pleanála’s refusal to allow internal construction work at St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, according to the Bishop of Cloyne.

In a letter read out at all Masses in the diocese yesterday, Bishop Dr John Magee said the decision infringed on the right of religious orders to manage their own affairs.

He also stressed the significance of the board’s findings for the future development of all churches who operated out of protected structures.

He said: “While the Bord Pleanála decision is particularly important for our diocese, the Irish bishops, as a group, have also expressed their concern.

“The decision could have serious implications for all places of worship that are protected structures.

“It must be viewed in the context of the constitutional right of every religious denomination ‘to manage its own affairs, own, acquire and administer property, movable or immovable’ which is contained in Article 44.2.5 of Bunreacht na hÉireann.”

In June, the planning appeals body overruled its inspector and upheld objections to the €4 million development of St Colman’s Cathedral which would have involved the extension of the sanctuary and the construction of a new altar.

Despite criticising the board for making its decision without offering any indication of what would be acceptable Bishop Magee called for some solution to be reached.

“As a result of An Bord Pleanála’s decision, the situation remains unresolved and needs to be addressed.

“The diocese will initiate discussions with the planning authorities in an attempt to find a solution.”

He conceded that while some members of the congregation find it difficult to understand why the diocese was so determined to have the work carried out, he had to press on because the building could not meet the liturgical requirements of the diocese.