Moves afoot to preserve pier

Moves are under way to preserve the derelict White Star Line pier in the Titanic’s last port of call and to develop a memorial garden.

The projects are part of ambitious plans by Cobh town authorities in Co Cork to build a lasting legacy to their Titanic centenary commemorations this week.

More than 100 Irish passengers boarded tenders from the pier for transfer to the Titanic anchored two miles off Roche’s Point exactly 100 years ago yesterday. But the wooden structure has fallen into disrepair over the years.

Mayor of Cobh Jim Quinlan confirmed last night that the town council has been working for some time to establish the exact ownership of the structure. He said they are close to confirming that it is in state ownership following the collapse of a shipping company which previously owned it.

“It is one of the most important monuments to emigration in this town,” he said. “It was important that we got clarity over who owned the structure.”

There are also plans to develop a Titanic memorial garden, with a glass wall featuring an etching of Titanic. Viewed from the town, it will show the exact location of the anchored vessel in the harbour. The wall will also be inscribed with the names of those who boarded the ship at what was then Queenstown.

Historian, and founder of the Titanic Trail, Dr Michael Martin, said the pier is an important part of the town’s heritage.

“It needs to be examined by an archaeological preservation expert. It needs to be maintained, but not replaced,” he said.

The County Cork Association of New York is holding a commemorative and fundraising event in New York on Apr 29 to help raise funds for the €80,000 project.