Marina Miceli
Europe Press Office,London
Completed in time for Christmas Eve mass in 2014, five years after it was devastated by a fire on Christmas Day 2009, Saint Mel’s Cathedral in Longford has been reopened.
Over the past four years, the project team has come together with people from the local community to work on one of the largest restoration projects in Europe. Arup provided lighting design and mechanical and electrical engineering services for the restoration of Saint Mel's Cathedral.
“'Arup was delighted to be part of the initiative. I think that we have arrived at the optimum balance between old and new to create an atmosphere appropriate for such a sacred place. It is fantastic to see the Cathedral opening this weekend, almost exactly five years after it was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve.' Susan Cormican, Lead Engineer, Arup
The iconic neo-classical style building was originally built in the 1840's and named after the nephew of Saint Patrick.
On Christmas Day, a European broadcast of Mass will take place in the Cathedral.