A plan to locate a replica of the historic St MacDara’s island church on the mainland in Carna in Connemara next month has been stalled.
Students from the internationally renowned Bartlett School of Architecture in London have been told by Galway County Council that they are not allowed to erect the structure – which was part of their studies – without planning permission.
St MacDara and his monks built the oratory on the island west of the Carna coast 1200 years ago. It is maintained by the Office of Public Works and the pilgrimage there attracts large crowds on the 16th of July.
In the fullness of time, a world renowned School of Architecture happened on the story.
Students in the Bartlett School of Architecture in London decided they would build a replica of the island oratory from light weight materials at Mace Pier in Carna. It would be removable and part of their studies.
It was to be in place this July.
However, Galway Co Council has now said it would not be exempt from planning – the reasons being environmental and SACs.
A full planning application would be needed before a decision was made and there is no time for that, even if the Bartlett School wanted to proceed.
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