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North Down Mayor Alderman Leslie Cree was joined by the Rector of Bangor
Abbey, Ronnie Nesbitt, Maybelline Gormley, Senior archaeological
Inspector for the NIEA and invited guests to officially unveil a plaque
on Thursday 19 April 2009 marking the completion of the restoration work
on ‘Malachy’s Wall’.
The wall, which is the only upstanding remnant of the Abbey’s medieval
monastic foundation, was at risk of falling down following years of
deterioration.
The total cost of the restoration project, which addressed a lean on the
walls eastern end, was ₤160,000 and was met by the Northern Ireland
Environment Agency (NIEA) and North Down Borough Council.
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Speaking at the unveiling Maybelline Gormley said “Saint Malachy’s Wall
may be small but it is a significant historical structure both locally
and nationally, and as such, is very precious.
In undertaking the restoration and stabilization work
we were very conscious to cause minimum disruption and to retain as much of
the existing wall as possible. These challenges meant that work proceeded
very slowly.
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For many local residents it probably seemed that we
fenced the wall off a long time but did nothing to it, however, I can assure
everyone there was a lot of work going on behind the scenes.”
She continued, “NIEA is extremely grateful to all those
who have supported this project since it was first proposed a number of
years ago.
The approach taken is exemplary in so many ways, the
detailed and holistic consideration in advance of any works taking place,
the innovative conservation solutions proposed by the engineers involved.
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The open minded approach of the contractors while
working on a project that was far from straightforward and the foresight
shown by North Down Borough Council in recognizing the importance of the
wall and being prepared to part-fund the project.”
Maybelline Gormley also thanked the members of Bangor
Abbey who had provided much support and encouragement throughout the process
and added that “The structure will, of course require ongoing low-key
maintenance, all buildings and structures do, but the work that has taken
place over the last few months and years, means that we will have the wall
to pass on to the next generation – and the next – and the ecclesiastical
legacy of Bangor will continue.”
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