The Irish Franciscans have taken issue with some recent claims and comments in relation to the Friary Church in Clonmel.
The order left the town in January of 2023 due to a lack of vocations and aging friars.
The Franciscans had been part of the Clonmel community for centuries.
The Abbey House of Prayer Group stepped in to keep the Friary Church open for prayer from June of 2023.
Last month the Franciscans issued a statement saying that it was no longer possible to keep the church open with a full closure date set for New Years Eve.
A group of individuals have since occupied the Friary which the Franciscans say is illegal and constitutes trespass while also posing health and safety concerns and have refused to leave or hand back keys.
The order claims the Abbey House of Prayer Group understood at all times that their access to the building was under a bare licence to occupy which could be terminated on the provision of three weeks’ notice
Since the Franciscans withdrew from Clonmel in January 2023 the order say they have provided approximately €160,000 for the insurance, upkeep and maintenance of the building.
They also state categorically that there is no truth in reports that they intend to convert the church into accommodation for rental purposes.