Cllrs restate view that cross should be returned to town centre location

Kells councillors have reiterated their commitment to returning the famous Market Cross back to the centre of the town. At a meeting of the town council on Monday, councillors were in agreement that the cross should return to the centre of the town - however, some said it wouldn't necessarily have to be to Cross Street, as this may not have been the original location of the cross. The Save Our Cross Committee had urged the council to adopt the recommendation of the Borroughs Report on traffic management in the town to introduce one-way traffic to Cross Street, making it a safe haven for the reinstatement of the momument. The letter from chairman, Gerard O'Rorke, pointed out that historic building consultants, Shaffrey Associates, have indicated that there are now modern building techniques which can afford greater protection to monuments in the town. He reminded the council of its resolution in 2000 to restore the cross to the centre of the town and pointed out that the National Heritage Council had indicated that it would consider an application for a grant. He pointed out that there was also a promise of funds from a generous donor in New York. He reminded the council that 2014 will be the 1,200th anniversary of the completion of the Kells's Columban settlement, which should be an occasion for celebration in the town. Cllr Sarah Reilly said there is a plaque where the cross used to be, which clearly states that the cross will be moved back and they should make a pledge to have it back by a certain date. Cllr Brian Curran agreed it should be returned. He said nothing would be better for the town as a tourist destination than if the cross was back in its original location and there was a volume of the Book of Kells back in the town. Cllr Ollie Sweeney said a commitment was a commitment and the restoration of the cross should be a key element of the traffic plan. Cllr Brian Collins said they should get people around the table now to work towards the restoration of the cross. Cllr Bryan Reilly said the issues of the restoration of the cross and the traffic management plan should be dealt with separately. He did not want the restoration of the cross to be linked with the pedestrianisation of Cross Street. Cllr Tommy Grimes said the ratepayers had indicated they would object strenuously to Cross Street being pedestrianised and he hoped that if they didn't pedestrianise it, the cross would be safe. He pointed out that Cross Street may not have been the original location of the cross and said some people believe it had been in the middle of Castle Street. He said they should sit down with the Save Our Cross committee to discuss all these issues.