Phoenix Park: Bruised from widespread criticism over its decision not to have a national day of mourning, the Government was yesterday accused of allowing the Papal Cross in Dublin's Phoenix Park to fall into ruin.
Before today's "sunset remembrance service" in the park, local Fianna Fáil TD Jim Glennon said he had sent a "strongly worded message" to the Minister of State overseeing the Office of Public Works, Tom Parlon.
"It was very obvious to me that the memorial has been neglected for a long period of time," he said.
"Thousands of people have visited the cross since the news of the Pope's death was announced. I know that many people were shocked at its condition and some were quite disturbed."
An OPW spokesman rejected the claims of neglect, however, saying the area around the cross, "like a lot of areas in the park", had been subjected to vandalism.
In a recent incident, a stolen car was driven up the steps to the cross, and later burnt out nearby.
But, he stressed, "we had engaged a contractor to deal with the damage, and the area would be looked after as part of the ongoing maintenance of the park".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, meanwhile, stood over his decision not to call a national day of mourning.
Before his departure for Rome with the President, Mary McAleese, he said: "Over the past number of days I have witnessed a great many people visit their churches and attending religious services, to pay their respects to a great man . . .
"This true expression of mourning will no doubt be expressed further on the day of the funeral."
Met Éireann is forecasting cold and blustery conditions for tonight's service, which begins at 6.30pm, and is due to end about 40 minutes later. Spectators are advised to bring raingear as there is the chance of a shower.
The ceremony, led by Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Dr Eamonn Walsh, will feature music from the Army Number 1 Band, Liam Lawton, Bernadette Greevy and the Dublin Diocesan Music Group, as well as footage from the Pope's visit to Ireland in 1979, which will be broadcast on three giant TV screens.
At a service in Wexford before today's event, Bishop Walsh recalled the Pope's "call to conversion" at the Phoenix Park 26 years ago.
"The more we drift away from our consciousness of our own personal sinfulness and need of forgiveness, the easier it is for us to drift into being intolerant of the faults of others and even become self-righteous," said the bishop.
In preparation for tonight's service, the Parkgate Street and Castleknock gates to the Phoenix Park will close at 2pm.
Dublin Bus will operate a free return shuttle service from that time on from George's Quay, next to Tara Street Dart station. Return passengers will be collected at the Parkgate Street entrance to the park.
Luas operator Connex is increasing the frequency on the Red line through Heuston Station between 4pm and 8pm. But fares are not being waived.
Meanwhile, church bells in Dublin are due to toll for two minutes before 9am today to coincide with the start of the funeral.
Most commemorative services took place last night in other Catholic dioceses. The exception was Killaloe, whose bishop, Dr Willie Walsh, will lead mourners in prayer at the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul, Ennis, at 7.30pm today.
