The works planned for 2004 are now nearly completed at Princes Street Church and involved substantial gutter repairs and lead flashing repairs at the back and from of the church funded by the National Development Plan. During the works we had the opportunity of taking some members of the congregation up the scaffold. Of particular interest was the lead- work carried out by Pat O'Leary who is a fourth generation leadworker, and in my opinion is the most skilled leadworker in the country.
The most important point about this work is that the previous gutter detail was not functioning and water was being channelled into the stonework at the front of the building causing some decay to roof timbers and saturation of the masonry fabric.
At the rear of the building, gutter defects had again caused significant deterioration especially around the arched window to the left. The problems here were preciously incorrectly diagnosed and an area of plasterwork was replaced. Although this may been necessary the down pipe and guttering was the principal source of problems and has now been rectified.
Another problem resulting from this was an extensive dry rot outbreak on the rear wall behind the panelling. This has been treated by a timber preservation specialist with an arresting treatment prior to further builders work required next year. There are a four/five holes in the plaster and the skirting has been removed, while initially this may appear insensitive these holes are to promote ventilation to assist the timber treatment. If you take the opportunity to peer through the holes you will be able to recognise the extent of the dry rot problem, as it is quite extensive. Since dry rot is a plant and if you don't water plants they die, this years work has dealt with the cause of the problem, while next year will address some of the symptoms.
In addition to works externally we were assisted by the Heritage Council in respect of window and fabric repairs. The church has undoubtedly some of the most interesting and oldest windows in Cork with some glass dating from 1717. Maintenance and rebuilding of some of the windows was carried out this year with the remaining windows being scheduled for next year. In some cases up to 2/3 of the window had to be replaced while in other cases the windows were sound and required minor maintenance and glazing. It is hoped to gather photos at the end of the project to show some of the work carried out. Substantial masonry repairs were also needed for one window.
Cork City Council extended the grant at the last minute to allow for full structural repairs to the floor joists and repair of the floorboards. There were not enough matching boards to complete the floor and it was decided that the central area would be finished with plywood as a temporary measure to be concealed with carpet until material could be identified to match in. The decision was made with budget and builders programme in mind.
All the works were carried out at an uncomfortable speed for the client, builder and conservation consultant. All works had to be finished by the end of November to qualify and not only did we have to finalise decisions and accounts, but we also had to present quotations and applications for future work by the 15th of December to receive further grant assistance.
All grant-assisted works, while generous from the point of view from the client, tend to favour repairs to the building from the point of view of the building and so not always prioritise functional requirements, but we have tried to include aspects what will benefit the congregation such as improved humidity and damp proofing.
Since the flood, the walls around the central hall have absorbed considerable moisture and we have monitored improvements in rising damp around the building during works. The works in 2005 proposed will address rising dampness in these walls, leading to a more comfortable interior and will also repair the many decayed structural timbers in the wall as well as completing window repairs. During the works there have been a few debates, misunderstandings and concerns, all of which have been expressed and dealt with through Fritz and Tim. Martin has also kept us informed of historical issued of which we are grateful.
We hope that 2006 will provide an opportunity to consolidate the future of this building and its purpose. I look forward to presenting the project past, present and future in a week or so when the project is finished.
May I take the opportunity of thanking the congregation for the opportunity of working on such an interesting and challenging project.
Christopher Southgate
21st January. 2005