The project is part of the parish’s Millennium celebrations. Parishioners also joined with other Churches in the area in raising £125,000 to help the homeless through the Simon Community.

The Side Chapel which seats 30 people includes a beautiful new stained glass window made by parishioner Joan Forsdyke.

The Revd Ted Woods, Rector of Rathfarnham says, “The Side Chapel will be used for evening and mid-week services. It includes a columbarium for the interment of the ashes of those who have been cremated.

"We intend to have the Side Chapel open each morning from 10.30 ­ 12.30 am as a place for quiet prayer and reflection in the middle of the busy village. We hope that those passing will take time out to drop in for a few moments of peaceful reflection.”

The project cost £100,000 and includes a “make-over” of the church’s vestry. The church which dates from 1789 has had two enlargements. The first was in the 1820s when the tower and spire were added. In 1889 it was enlarged again as it was too small for the requirements of parishioners.