Madam, – May I add my voice to Gerard Delamere’s plea for the renovation of the historic Magazine Fort before it is too late to save it (August 8th)? There are many similar instances of official neglect. For example, Fort Meagher (earlier called Fort Camden) which has guarded Cork’s great harbour for centuries and is the finest example of this type of coastal fortification in Europe, continues to deteriorate into a ruin, battered by the elements.
When the fort was handed over to Cork County Council in May 1989, the then minister for defence said: “The Government was delighted that the history of the fort, which seemed to be coming to an end, could now continue to unfold, and would make a major contribution to the development of tourism in the region”. The county council confirmed that it would turn the ancient fort into a military museum with an interpretative centre and restaurant for tourists, overlooking the beautiful harbour views. In the 20 years that have lapsed since these pious promises nothing has been done to carry out these plans.
Recently the same local authority has taken over the fort on Spike Island (initially called Fort Westmoreland but later renamed to honour John Mitchell who was incarcerated there), and announced similar plans. But one wonders if these plans will ever be implemented.
In contrast to the neglect of the Cork forts, the Fort Dunree Heritage Museum complex initially opened in 1986 is a shining example of what can be done. Dunree, whose guns covered the deep anchorage of Lough Swilly, has proved a great attraction for visitors of all ages whose numbers are continually increasing. The museum is unique in that all the guns and equipment on view there represent the greatest collection of coast defence weaponry before fixed coast defences were rendered redundant by the advances of the second World War.
The future of the forts depends ultimately on public awareness and on the involvement of local and State-aided agencies for their restoration and conservation. They are part of Ireland’s history and heritage.
– Yours, etc,