Seeing the Spire of Loyd in a new light as 2011 begins

The historic Spire of Loyd will create a whole new night-time skyline for Kells in the New Year, when architectural lighting is provided at the tower. Work is currently underway on installing the spotlights on the structure and, while the recent Arctic weather conditions delayed the work, it is now expected to be completed early in the New Year. The structure, which had been opened to the public periodically, has been closed for the past year because of safety concerns. Kells town clerk, Jarlath Flanagan, said that because of health and safety concerns and fire safety considerations, the tower was closed to visitors last year. He said the council looked at safety issues and, while doing that, also examined the possibility of providing architectural lighting for the round tower. He said that a programme of work to make the structure safe for the public was being carried out and, when that is complete, the council would set up a system of controlled opening of the structure to visitors. Cllr Oliver Sweeney has welcomed the work on the tower which, he said, would be a major benefit to the town. Cllr Brian Collins said the new lighting would be great for the area, adding that it was also important the council looked at security at the park at night in the interests of local residents. The Tower of Loyd is free-standing tower, built in 1791, in the form of a giant Doric column, surmounted by a glazed lantern. The monument was designed by Henry Aaron Baker for the First Earl of Bective in memory of his father, Sir Thomas Taylor. The tower was used to view horse-racing and hunts in the 19th century. The hill on which it is located is a commonage which has been owned by Kells Town Council and its predecessor, the old corporation, since the 12th century. Meanwhile, work is continuing on the re-roofing of the Kells Heritage Centre, which has been closed for over a year. Work on this was also delayed because health and safety issues during the the icy weather, but it is expected to be completed also in the New Year. The heritage centre is housed in the former Kells Courthouse, which was designed by Francis Johnston and dates from the early 1800s. The building of the courthouse was financed by the Headfort family as a gift to the people of the town.