Work has begun on the restoration of a well known church in Roscommon.
Scaffolding is being erected around the bell tower of the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon Town.
Expected to cost in the region of €100,000, the repairs include remedial works to slating and lead valleys, replacement of bell supports, remedial works to the pinnacles of the church, and to the boiler house chimney.
Chairperson of the restoration group Michael Connaughton says that seeing the work finally getting underway on schedule is a hugely positive sign.
"We had planned all along that the scaffolding would be erected after the June bank holiday weekend as advised by our health and safety people. It's great, I was just in there this morning and looking at those gentlemen, I have to say they have a great head for heights when their scaffolding is nearly up at the bell tower at the moment! It's a great sign that work has started and is in progress and hopefully now will continue right through while the weather is good with all the work they have to do".
