The first phase of the major restoration work on St Macartin’s Cathedral has just been completed, and now preparations for the redecoration of the inside of the cathedral have started, that will see the building’s interior refreshed.

The cathedral was last painted more than 25 years ago following a fire on March 5, 1996.

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter, Honorary Secretary of the Select Vestry, Sam Morrow, said: “All the work was specified, planned and supervised by Chris McCollum, a specialist in the restoration of historic buildings. The main contractor for the project is Harold Graham of Irvinestown.

“The cathedral dates from the early 1600s, and next to Enniskillen Castle is the oldest building in the town. The total cost of the restoration work will be of the order of £550,000.”

Detailing work that has taken place so far, Mr. Morrow said: “The restoration work involved the re-roofing of the entire building. New Welsh slates were use on the high roof and on the north-facing surface of the roof over the north aisle, or regimental chapel.

“The best of the slates that had been removed were reused on the other roof surfaces. Any roof timbers that were showing any sign of decay were replaced.

“The cathedral’s roof structure is complex, which necessitates the use of three lead internal gutters in addition to the cast-iron gutters on the external walls.

“All the gutters were replaced using new materials. The new gutters have been designed in such a manner that additional downpipes, midway along the length of the building, have been provided. This should enable the system to cope with any increase that may occur in the intensity of rainfall arising from global warming.”

Another element that has been replaced is stonework. “The opportunity was also taken to replace stonework which had deteriorated as a result of weathering. Areas of stonework which received attention were the pinnacles, the window mullions and tracery, together with the stonework at the outside entrance to the chapter room.

“Sandstone of a similar colour and water porosity to the original was used in the stonework reconstruction. All the windows have been fitted with new secondary glazing.”

Of the final phase of work taking place – the internal redecoration – Mr. Morrow said: “As was the case with the outside work, the inside requires very extensive scaffolding to enable the preparatory work and painting to progress.

“Harold Graham is the main contractor for the inside work, with responsibility for the painting being undertaken by Richard Ross, Castlederg, with a team of five painters.

“Prior to the internal redecoration taking place, the opportunity was taken to carry out some internal enhancement. Entrance to the nave has been improved by removing the back row of pews. The choir stalls have also been enhanced by fitting an additional oak shelf and improved lighting for the choristers.”

It is the intention to have all the work completed before Easter so that the celebrations for the cathedral’s 400th anniversary can begin.