This project, which commenced in mid-2019, has been the largest project at the Cathedral since the restoration by Benjamin Lee Guinness 150 years ago. The distinctive blue grey slates used for the work have been sourced from the same Penrhyn Bangor Blue Slate quarry in Wales as those in the 1860s.

The works comprise a full replacement of the roof finishes and necessitated a significant undertaking for the scaffolding sub-contractor. Scaffolding was required externally and scaffolding towers have been erected internally to facilitate the removal of the clerestory windows for refurbishment. The scaffolding has been designed with a temporary roof to protect the priceless interior of the Cathedral which includes some roof timbers that date back to the thirteenth century. Given the general weather climate in Ireland, the temporary roof has been an invaluable asset in enabling the roofing works to continue on programme.

The repair and conservation of the nave clerestory windows was carried out in the studios of specialist glazing conservator Holy Well Glass. Each window has been numbered, removed, assessed, traced, dismantled, cleaned and is now being mounted in a new lead matrix ready for their re-installation back in the clerestory openings.

BMP were delighted to work with a very experienced Design Team which was led by John Beauchamp from Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects based in Somerset, UK.