The re-roofing of Ennis Abbey

[reddy]

I was in Ennis over the weekend and as I drove past the Abbey, one of my favourite romantic ruins in any town in the country, I nearly dropped in fright to see that they have partially re-roofed the nave.

http://archiseek.com/2011/1240-ennis-abbey-co-clare/

The nave closest to Abbey street has been re-roofed using what appears to be a bog standard slate construction. It looks absolutely horrendous.

http://www.irishexaminer.ie/ireland/opw ... 42395.html

According to this page on boards.ie (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthre ... p=64217920) this "reroofing of nave to accommodate Exhibition Space for important collection of architectural stone" has been completed under the supervision of Shaffrey architects.

Unfortunately I was unable to get a photo but if anyone has a photo I'd be much appreciative. I'd also appreciate any opinions on the conservation merits of this approach - in my limited conservation experience and education I would have expected a drastically different intervention - as at Kilfernora cathedral, where a glass roof was built above the nave - or perhaps the precious stones moved off site to a museum and replicas created in their place.

Like I said - my experience and knowledge in these matters is very limited - I'd appreciate any opinions.