Frequently asked Questions / Answers

Q. Why are most people in Cobh opposed to the changes?
Simple answer - They appreciate their Cathedral, and do not wish to see its integrity compromised in any way, and refuse to believe that it is inadequate for the celebration of the Sacraments.

Q. Are the changes 'liturgically required' as has been said?
The changes as proposed are not liturgically required or mandated in any Vatican Document or by any prescription of liturgical law.

Q. Are we involved in a personal battle with Bishop and priests?
The Friends of St. Colman's Cathedral are not and never have been in any way involved in a personal dispute with our clergy, whom we hold in the highest regard. The Friends' appeal is being made against the application for planning permission lodged with Cobh Town Council by the Trustees of St Colman's Cathedral on 19 July 2005.

Q. Were the people of Cobh or of the diocese of Cloyne ever meaningfully consulted with regard to the proposed changes?
The short answer to that question is NO. Despite promises to do so, no consultation of the people took place and no opportunity to offer comments on the proposed plans given before the application for planning permission was made.

Q. Who is financing the proposed changes and how much will they cost?
The source of funds for the proposed re-oredering, stated to be in excess of one million Euro in one Irish newspaper, has never been clarified and efforts to clarify the question have been unsuccessful to date.

Q. Who is financing the appeal of the Friends of St. Colman's Cathedral?
The expenses for the various legal measures to appeal the permission granted for the proposed changes are defrayed by public subscriptions received from the people of Cobh, people of the diocese of Cloyne, and by other well wishers among the general public.