A campaign has been launched to protect a church which was named Ireland’s building of the century.
St Aengus’s Church in Burt, Co Donegal, is in a poor state of repair and letting in water. Parishioners have now launched a campaign to raise €300,00 for repairs.
The circular-shaped church, designed by architect Liam McCormick, was built in 1967. Its unique design has made it an attraction for tourists and visitors across the northwest.
It was named building of the century in 1999 in a national poll organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
Parish priest Fr Gerry Sweeney said one confession box could not be used at present because of the leaks.
“The walls are letting in water and so they have to be repointed and sealed up,” he said. “Of course all the electrics have to be checked then and it will be a major job.”
Fr Sweeney said there had been no interruption to Masses at the church.
The design of the building takes its inspiration from Grianán of Aileach, the Bronze Age fort above Burt, where the chapel is located.