Cobh bandstand and Youghal Clock Gate Tower 'need urgent attention'

East Cork municipal meetings hear that iconic landmarks are in state of disrepair and that maintenance must be stepped up 

Cobh Municipal District Council heard that the interior of the bandstand seems to be crumbling and needs to be addressed, especially at this time of the year when bands perform there for visitors. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Two iconic and historic structures in Co Cork that feature on postcards and artist backdrops need urgent attention after falling into noticeable disrepair, it has been claimed.

One is the Youghal Clock Gate Tower, built in 1777, and the other is the Victorian-era bandstand in John Fitzgerald Memorial Park on the promenade in Cobh.

Youghal Clock Gate Tower

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Mulcahy told an East Cork Municipal District Council meeting that the maintenance of the four-storey Youghal building, which was once a prison, is not up to standard.

“There are weeds growing out of the window sills and the stains of the rainwater are very visible on the walls and the exterior painting,” Mr Mulcahy said.

Weeds and ivy growing around the windows of the Youghal Clock Gate Tower, making it difficult to read the plaque dating from 1777. Picture: Howard Crowdy

"I have raised this issue since my election in 2024 and, while ministerial consent has been secured to complete some works on it, there have never been any works completed on it. 

“Youghal is a tourist town. There are droves of people travelling there to see its incredible history and blue flag beaches. And while the council has been proactive on many projects, this one has been slipping down the lists of priorities,” he said.

East Cork Municipal District officer Susan Hegarty said the council is seeking to appoint a specialist conservation officer and hopes to pick a suitable candidate next month to look at the building.

She added that the main street may have to be closed off to get a cherry-picker in to remove the weeds coming out of the windows.

Cobh bandstand

Meanwhile, Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen told officials attending a Cobh Municipal District Council meeting that he is concerned about the state of the town’s landmark bandstand.

Part of the damaged roof on the promenade bandstand in Cobh. Picture: Howard Crowdy

He said the interior of the roof seemed to be crumbling and needs to be urgently addressed, especially at this time of the year when there are several bands performing there for visiting tourists.

Council municipal officer Páraig Lynch said he would arrange for an inspection of the structure to identify any repairs or maintenance requirements. He added: 

Any defects identified will be scheduled for repair, subject to available funding and resources, to ensure the structure remains safe and fit for public use. 

Meanwhile, Mr Rasmussen said he is also concerned about rusting exercise equipment at the town’s Five Foot Way.

Fianna Fáil councillor Dominic Finn said he had been contacted by the parents of a child who cut their finger on a rusty part of one of the pieces of equipment.

Weeds and ivy are growing around the windows of the Youghal Clock Gate Tower. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Mr Lynch said the council would carry out equipment inspections and, if any defects are identified, they will be scheduled for repair, subject to available funding and resources, “to ensure the equipment remains safe and fit for public use”.