By Diarmaid Doherty
THE design team behind a new wheelchair accessible ramp at St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny have dipped into a little bit of the cathedral’s history for the new project.
The stone used on the new ramp came from McMonagle Stone in Mountcharles. The Cathedral itself – which opened back in 1901 – is built from white Mountcharles stone.
Michael Hannigan of Architectural Consultants Corner Stone Architecture said the intention was to make sure the new ramp was in keeping with the original design of the building.
“We wanted the ramp to match the building and over time, the colours will blend into exactly the same style as what’s there now,” Michael told the Donegal News.
“We’re delighted with how it has turned out. For the last number of years, there was a temporary wooden structure in place.
“So this new ramp will replace that, and will add to the overall accessibility of the building.”
The building contractors for the project were Terence Ponsonby Contractors and McMonagle Stone also added their skills and knowledge with much of the rough stone expertly chiseled by hand.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie said the new ramp adds to the fabric of the cathedral.
“Any work that’s carried out in the cathedral obviously has to be done with great sensitivity in order to protect the integrity of the building,” he said.
“The stone came from the same quarry that was used in the original building and it was cut to the same design as the corresponding parts.
“It’s been our intention for some time now to have a new ramp installed for those who use the cathedral and we’re delighted with how it has turned out.”
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