The ruins of the Augustinian Abbey in Ballina need urgent conservation and repair works, a local councillor has stated.
Independent Cllr Mark Duffy put forward a motion at the recent meeting of Ballina Municipal District calling on Mayo County Council to prioritise the historic site on the Cathedral Road. He said the archway is at particular risk of collapsing.
“It pre-dates the formation of Ballina as it was built in 1410, and everyone feels very passionate about the Augustinian Abbey in the town. The heritage of it and its proximity to the river as one of the four monasteries along the Moy,” Cllr Duffy said.
“It’s in a deteriorated, dilapidated state. The archway looks to be very vulnerable and potentially could collapse. We need to make sure that its longevity is secure,” he said.
Cllr Duffy’s motion coincided with a presentation from the council’s heritage officer Deirdre Cunningham, who outlined the Draft Mayo Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030.
The members of the County Mayo Heritage Forum have identified different issues pertaining to heritage and biodiversity which they hope to tackle in the years to come.
A draft plan will be submitted to the council’s Cultural, Education, Heritage and Corporate Affairs strategic policy committee at the end of the month before a final draft will go to the council in November.
Ms Cunningham said the council will apply to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for funding for the Augustinian Abbey under the Community Monuments Fund for 2024.
