THE Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Dr Laurence Ryan, has accepted compromises proposed in a report on proposed changes to the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow town.
Controversy broke out late last year when proposals made by an architect, Mr Richard Pierce, met with strenuous opposition from a group named "Friends of Carlow Cathedral's.
At the height of the controversy a group of eight prominent Carlow people defused the situation by setting up a forum to examine all aspects of the proposed work.
That group was to enlist the professional advice of three outsiders. The cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the diocese.
Last December the group approached Mr Derek Greene, Mr Frank O'Rourke and Ms Miriam Hederman O'Brien to look at the proposed changes in the light of the liturgical and pastoral needs of the diocese and of the parish. They were also asked to recommend a solution which would reflect and accommodate these needs.
These three have now issued their report which suggests a compromise between the present cathedral layout and the proposals put forward by Mr Pierce.
Bishop Ryan told this week's Carlow Nationalist that in the interests of harmony among the people of Carlow he is prepared to accept the compromises proposed in the report.
However, the Friends of Carlow Cathedral say while they have no doubt the proposals are well intentioned, they are concerned they may be directed more at an architectural compromise than at any real liturgical and architectural integrity.
"Consequently, the . . . proposals may result, if implemented, in a compromised sanctuary and a compromised cathedral," according to the group.
Mr Greene is a former Board of Works architect who has specialised in the conservation and refurbishment of liturgical buildings.
Mr O'Rourke is a Dublin businessman and former executive of the Bank of Ireland, while Ms Hederman O'Brien is a barrister who has headed government commissions on taxation and health funding.