Funding secured for repair works to iconic Cork city landmark

Government funding of €250,000 has been secured to repair Cork’s historic Shandon clock, according to a northside TD. This funding is part of a larger allocation exceeding €3.5 million, which has been designated for the restoration of 28 heritage buildings throughout the country under the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

Locals affectionately refer to the clock as the “four-faced liar” due to its long-standing reputation in Cork. Since last May, the iconic clock has been displaying the wrong time, with its eastern face stuck on six o’clock. Installed in 1847 by the former Cork Corporation and now maintained by Cork City Council, the clock mechanism was historically cared for by Philip Stokes of Stokes Clocks and Watches on MacCurtain Street.

However, earlier this year, Mr. Stokes announced that he had “stepped away from” maintaining the clock mechanism because of safety concerns arising from structural issues in the clock tower. In February, Cork City Council was informed that the repair costs would likely begin at €400,000, although the final expense will be determined before any work commences.

Pádraig O’Sullivan, the Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central, revealed that funding of €250,000 for the clock repairs was provided by his party colleague, Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan, who serves as a minister of state at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. He noted that, in addition to the allocation for the Shandon clock, €150,000 has been earmarked for repair work on the alms-houses in Glanmire, €114,400 has been secured for restoration at the St Laurence Cheshire Home in Lotamore, and €72,403 for repairs at Kinsale Museum.

“It’s great to see this investment in preserving important historic buildings in Cork, many of which are in need of repairs,” said Pádraig O’Sullivan.

“Obviously, in the case of Shandon, the work required to upgrade and preserve the clock is well documented, so this allocation will help protect and maintain this vital piece of Cork’s history.”

During a February meeting of Cork City Council, the council’s director of services for planning and integrated development, Niall Ó Donnabháin, informed Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins that repairing Shandon would require the expertise of several specialists in conservation, horology, and structural repair.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also welcomed the funding, stating,

“Shandon is one of Cork’s greatest landmarks, situated in an iconic location. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city, celebrated in song and story, and it deserves to be restored to its former glory.”