£20,000 scheme planned at Ardclinis

Vegetation was recently trimmed back at the site but it was agreed the ‘rag tree’ - on which people hang pieces of clothing in a bid to attract good luck - was not to be touched.

But more work is needed around the graveyard to protect the old church building itself.

A report prepared for Moyle Council said: ‘Further to the successful removal of vegetation at Ardclinis Church NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency) are proposing to carry out a conservation scheme to help ensure the long term stability of the Church remains.

‘Detailed survey work has been completed and NIEA are in the process of preparing a detailed specification for the proposed work. They would like to enter into a management agreement with the Council for the completion of this work.

‘Ardclinis Church is a scheduled historic monument and is included on the register of Built Heritage at Risk Northern Ireland (BHARNI).

‘These conservation works are essential, not only for the long term stability of the monument but also to prevent further collapse of masonry at a publicly accessible site.

‘Further collapse of masonry is highly likely. The dead ivy, on the west wall, in particular, is clearly all that is preventing further collapse of masonry.

‘The church is located on a stunning stretch of the north Antrim coast and is already publicly accessible, with a small car park and interpretive panel encouraging visitors to the site. The proposed work should encourage more visitors and tourists to appreciate this historic monument.

‘NIEA estimate the cost of the work at around 20,000 and have requested that the Council consider contributing to this cost. In the absence of this scheme it is likely that the Council will need to spend some money to make the monument safe,’ according to the report prepared for Moyle councillors.

Glens Sinn Fein councillor Oliver McMullan said: “I think we would need to be seen to be contributing something here because we did construct a lay-by and we are encouraging people to visit that site. It is a lovely old graveyard.”

Council officer Aidan McPeake said the Council contribution could be five or ten per cent of the cost but he would make enquiries to see the exact cost to ratepayers.