merrion street

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (8 January 2014) officially handed over Elizabeth Fort to Cork City Council. Elizabeth Fort is located on Barrack Street, just outside the ancient city walls and was first built in 1601 by Sir George Carew. Cork City Council will develop the Fort with assistance from Fáilte Ireland and it is intended that it will become central to a major tourist development of the city.

Speaking at the handover ceremony today, Minister Hayes said “I am pleased to be back in Cork today to formally present Elizabeth Fort into the care of the City Council. Over many years, my office the OPW, has carefully restored, maintained and managed the Fort as part of this country’s rich heritage portfolio. So it is with great pride that I hand over the Fort so that its future may be advanced in a way that goes beyond its importance as an historical site. This Government recognises the value in combining the skills, knowledge and expertise of various State organisations to optimise resources and ensure value for money for the taxpayer. As such, OPW’s National Monuments experts will be on hand to assist and advise the Council where necessary. The development of Elizabeth Fort as a key contributor to the local economy and as a sustainable amenity for the community is a fine example of that shared enterprising spirit.”

The Minister concluded, “As I pass on the keys of the Fort to the Lord Mayor of Cork, Ms. Catherine Clancy, I wish all concerned every success with this exciting new chapter in the Fort’s development.”

Note to Editors:

Elizabeth Fort was originally built in 1601, rebuilt in 1603 and substantially renovated in 1624. It has borne witness to a multitude of significant historical events over the course of the past 400 years. The Reformation, Cromwell's suppression of Irish resistance, the Jacobite Wars, the transportation of Irish prisoners to the English colonies, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War have all been played out in part in this remarkable structure. After many decades as a police station and an Garda education centre, the Office of Public Works are transferring ownership of Elizabeth Fort to Cork City Council, who intend, with the assistance of Fáilte Ireland, to develop the facility as one of Ireland's premier tourism attractions.