Potential architects 'engaging deeply' with Doirí Beaga church restoration project

The local parish priest in Gaoth Dobhair says there has been an “overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic” response towards a new church building in Doirí Beaga.

Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh was speaking as the dust settled following a fire in April that gutted St Mary’s Church. Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze, which was reported in the early hours of Easter Monday.

“I am pleased to share an encouraging update on the journey toward our new church building in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Doirí Beaga,” he said. “Over the past few weeks, we have reached out to 20 architectural firms with experience in church design and renovation, inviting them to express their interest in working with us.

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“Each was invited to express their interest in collaborating with our parish to design a new Church, to create a sanctuary of faith, a space that will support the sacramental, spiritual, religious, worship, prayer, teaching, meeting, and missionary life of our faith community.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, with many architects already making site visits and engaging deeply with the project. These firms have until August 15 to submit preliminary proposals, and the attention and care being shown at this early stage is truly heartening.”

Fr Ó Fearraigh added that people in the locality in Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair will get the chance next month to share their thoughts and suggestions, going forward.

“Looking ahead, it is clear, from the many informal conversations I’ve already had, that there is genuine interest and anticipation both within the community and beyond,” he said. “We now have the opportunity to shape this future together, in an open and intentional way.

“With that in mind, we are preparing for a parish-wide public consultation, which will be led by Macdara Hosty Consultancy, on Monday, September 15 at 7:30pm in Ionad an Acadaimh, Gaoth Dobhair, F92 V2AW.

“This process will give everyone in our parish the opportunity to share their thoughts, hopes, and aspirations for the new church. Macdara Hosty will carefully gather and compile all feedback into a formal report, which will then be provided to the selected architectural team. This ensures that the lived experience, values, and aspirations of our parish community directly shape the design and vision of our future church.

“Your voice matters deeply. I warmly invite and encourage everyone to take part in this process. This is our church, and your participation will ensure it reflects the heart of our community. This is but one step in the journey of designing and building a brand-new church at the heart of our community, a sacred space that will serve generations to come. I síth agus i muintearas Íosa. An tAth. Brian Ó Fearraigh SP.”