Campaigners call on Limerick council to fully restore Tait's Monument clock

An Taisce said the council committed to return the clock to working order back in 2023, but that little progress has been made since

Tait’s Monument is a nod to the contributions of Scotland-born Peter Tait, who held the role of Limerick mayor in the mid- to late-1860s. Picture: Manon Gilbart

A campaign has been launched calling on Limerick City and County Council to restore the clock on Tait's Monument in the city centre.

The initiative, led by the Limerick branch of An Taisce and Mary Immaculate College historian Paul O'Brien, is seeking the full restoration of the landmark structure's clock.

Tait's Monument, which dates from 1865, stands at Baker Place in the heart of Limerick city.

An Taisce, an organisation advocating for protection and heritage, said the clock is an important part of the monument's heritage and has called for it to be returned to full working order.

It said the council committed to return the clock to working order back in 2023, but that little progress has been made since.

The monument is a nod to the contributions of Scotland-born Peter Tait, who held the role of Limerick mayor in the mid- to late-1860s.

The monument was funded with donations from citizens, and the responsibility of its maintenance has rested with the local authorities since the late 1860s.

An Taisce Limerick chairman Seán McIlfatrick said: “159 years later, that responsibility to look after this beloved public monument remains with Limerick City and County Council.” 

He said the local council should ensure that the monument is properly repaired, maintained, and restored to full working order.

In 2024, a Cork-based clock company was commissioned by the council to inspect the mechanism inside the clock.

The inspection found water was getting into Tait’s tower, which led to damage to its bell-ringing system.

Limerick City and County Council has been contacted for comment.