Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Corcomroe Abbey is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. One of OPW's primary goals is the protection of this and other National Monuments to the best of its ability. There is a number of sites where OPW facilitate Humanist Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. These venues were chosen after consultation with the Civil Marriage Registration Authorities in Ireland as meeting their criteria in respect of suitability, access, health & safety and non-religious themes. The sites are listed on our website and OPW welcomes and facilitates a number of requests for such ceremonies at these approved sites each year.

The activity at Corcomroe has led to concerns in relation to damage to the grave slabs which are located in the nave in front of the Altar. Chairs and other items are being placed on the grave slabs which leave scratches behind. The graveyard is an active graveyard regularly visited by family members who have been upset by finding litter, broken glass, bottles and flower arrangements left behind after these unauthorised events.

The Office of Public Works has been aware of unauthorised ceremonies taking place at the Abbey and has, in the past, tried to engage with known celebrants who regularly advertise the Abbey as a wedding location as well as contacting various wedding organisers and planners who advertise the Abbey on their website to request that they remove reference to this National Monument from their advertising.

The decision to erect the sign was a last resort and was taken to ensure that any parties’ wishing to get married are aware that ceremonies are not facilitated here and should they witness such an event that official permission has not been granted and report it to the Office of Public Works.