A LOCAL councillor says it is a ridiculous situation that Ardfert Cathedral is not lit up at night.
At the recent meeting of Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council last week, Sinn Féin Cllr Deirdre Ferris asked management in the Tralee Municipal District to liaise with the OPW and relevant stakeholders to have lights at Ardfert Cathedral fitted before the winter months.
In reply, management said Ardfert Cathedral and grounds are managed by the OPW.
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Tralee MD contacted the National Monuments Office of the OPW earlier this year to highlight the ongoing issue, but said the lighting of Ardfert Cathedral is wholly the responsibility of the OPW.
Cllr Ferris said it was a ridiculous situation that installing public lighting outside the cathedral, which she said is one of the most important and beautiful buildings in the county, comes under the remit of so many state departments.
She said she has contacted the OPW, the National Monuments Office, the State Archaeologist and National Graves Association on the issue.
Cllr Ferris said the lighting could be installed externally, outside the grounds of the cathedral and therefore would not require the permission of the OPW.
Cllr Ferris said significant investment had gone into the Cathedral attraction over the years and it was a waste to have it in darkness at night.