Heritage group launch bid to get prominent Limerick clock back ticking
People urged to lobby council to ensure clock at popular square is showing correct time
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to get a prominent and historic clock in the city centre ticking as normal once again.
As things stand, the four faces of the clock on Tait’s Monument show the incorrect time.
But heritage group An Taisce Limerick, and Dr Paul O’Brien, an assistant professor of history at Mary Immaculate College want to see this rectified.
In early 1865, the city of Limerick decided to build a public monument in honour of Alderman Peter Tait, whose contribution locally was regarded as exceptional.
Two years on, after a number of Limerick citizens donated money to build it, it was proudly unveiled.
However, in the last few years, time has caught up with the clock, causing it to show the incorrect hours and minutes.
Since the clock began ticking in 1867, it has been council’s responsibility to maintain the monument.
Chairperson of An Taisce Limerick, Sean McIlfatrick, said: “Limerick City and County Council should ensure the monument is properly repaired, maintained and restored to full working order.” Problems with the clock began in 2019, and in 2023 council commissioned a clock company from Cork to look at it.
The report from that firm’s inspection stated that there was one dial on the clock's gearing causing it to go out of time.
A recommendation was made to remove the dial to stop further damage, with the company also noted water in the tower is impacting bellringing.
Dr O’Brien attempted to raise awareness of the clock through a historic walk last month, and An Taisce want members to lobby council to restore the clock.
Breda, who grew up near the clock, said it played a vital role when she was working at the Danus textile factory.
"We didn't have phones at the time. So this would be our time going into work. You'd have your lunch at 1pm. We'd come out and look at the clock, and going back to work, the clock would tell you when to go back to work. If you were in town and had be home for a certain time, the clock would tell you what time it is."
A council spokesperson said: “A timeline for works on Tait’s Clock is funding dependent and yet to be confirmed."