As part of the restoration of the landmark 19th century cathedral after extensive fire damage in 2009 Conservation & Restoration were contracted to undertake the restoration of the 4 Altars together with associated work to the floors and boundary walls.

The initial work involved the cleaning of the stone and plaster work to the altars to enable surveys to be undertaken and the stone to be assessed so that the extent of the repairs required could be established.

In order to match in the new stone, as best as possible, extensive work was undertaken to find suitable materials with visits to stone suppliers throughout the country and quarries in Italy.

Stones used were:

• Irish Limestone
• Connemara marble
• Carrara marble and Siena Marble from Italy
• Kerry Red
• Red Griotte from Italy
• Onyx Stone
• Rosa Red
• Stanton Moor Sandstone

Working drawings were prepared to enable the stone detail to be matched to the pieces of stone that would have been salvaged from the fire. Brass elements within the altars were extensively restored to bring them back to their original detail.

New floors in Carrara Marble and English Sandstone were constructed and restored around the Altars. Boundary Walls were cleaned, repointed in lime mortar and repaired in Irish Limestone.

The Tympanum at the front portico was extensively repaired with blocks of carved Portland Stone grafted in and mortar repairs to other areas.