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Works are due to commence in the coming weeks.
Funding to repair an ancient midlands monument has been secured.
St. Feichin’s Pool in Fore, in Westmeath was believed to have a cure for sick children and there was a tradition of tying rags to
the ash tree growing beside the well.
Cracks have started to develop in the wall around the pool while the tree at the well recently died from ash dieback.
Works will be completed under ministerial consent and are due to commence in the coming weeks.
For health and safety reasons the site was fenced off.
Funding for these works has been awarded under the Community Monuments Fund from the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Works will involve the removal of the collapsed wall, the planting of a native hawthorn hedge around the three sides of the well, the dead tree will be felled and a low decorative fence will be installed along the footpath.
Westmeath County Council Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade says:
“Works will not only address health and safety concerns at the site but will greatly improve its presentation and make it more accessible to visitors.”
Conservation Architect Fergal McNamara from 7L Architects has specified the design and Archaeologist Eoin Halpin of Archaeology & Heritage Consultancy Ltd will oversee the works.