Historic balcony may be allowed collapse into sea at Youghal

A landmark viewing stand overlooking the Blackwater River in Youghal is likely to collapse into the sea after Cork County Council reportedly decided it was too expensive to restore.

The 6sqm balcony is on a sea rock, overlooking the mouth of Youghal harbour at Moll Goggin’s Corner, nestling between the lighthouse and the Front Strand.

Traditionally recognised by its black and white chequered exterior, it offers a panoramic view about 30m above high water.

The balcony has existed since time immemorial and local folklore suggests, in past centuries, wives and sweethearts gathered there to wave goodbye or to greet sailors coming and going from Youghal.

Legend has it that Moll Goggin herself once waited forlornly for a love that never returned.

The balcony has been fenced off since 2008 when then town county councillor Barbara Murray reported cracks on a 3m-high wall.

However, the partial collapse and instability of a large section of adjacent sea wall in 2012 distracted attention from the balcony as restoration work costing €1m and lasting some two-and-a-half years brought temporary traffic and pedestrian disruption to the area.

After the sea wall was restored, attention returned to the balcony.

A second viewing area, about 30m away and built about 40 years ago, was also fenced off, and considered “beyond repair”.

However, the Moll Goggin structure stands on solid, sea rock and contactors restoring the sea wall had even sited their work hut on it.

But the county estimated the cost of demolishing or restoring the viewing area was €180,000.

East Cork Municipal District officer Helen Mulcahy said the county council did not intend to spend money on the structure and will shortly replace unsightly Harris fencing at the structure with green wire mesh on a permanent basis.

That action would allow nature to take its course.

Independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, supported by Fianna Fáil councillor Aaron O’Sullivan insisted the balcony was considered “as much part of Youghal’s heritage as the town walls or Clock Gate”.

Demanding its restoration, they said that the works may qualify for heritage funding.

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