Calls for historic archway in Cork city to be given more public prominence

Independent Cork city councillor Kieran McCarthy has called for a historic arch in Cork city to be removed from its hidden corner and given more public prominence.

The 1779 archway was once part of the entrance door to one of Cork’s oldest firms John Daly & Co Mineral Water Manufacturers on Kyrl’s Quay - the original creators of Tanora.

"The year 1779 was the foundation of their company. 

"The archway may not date to 1779 but may have been a later addition to the company’s premises celebrating its earlier origins. 

"In 1991-3 as part of the development of North Main Street Shopping Centre the archway was placed at the back of an apartment block built next to it. 

"It now lies in the public realm of Cork City Council," Cllr McCarthy explained.

It was in 1915 that John Daly & Co Mineral Water Manufacturers created Tanora.

"At that time, temperance groups lobbied manufacturers of lemonade such as John Daly’s to produce another popular non-alcoholic drink. 

"Tanora was created through the importation of tangerine oranges," Mr McCarthy said.

"Fifty years ago, Daly’s owned Kyrl’s Quay Bonded Warehouses and the Victoria Hotel in Cork. 

"Five decades ago Daly’s also bought the total issued share capital of Coca Cola Bottling (Dublin). 

"They had the Coca Cola franchise for Munster which gave Daly’s extensive interests in the Irish market for soft drinks. 

"However, it was a Munster Coca Cola bottling company that eventually bought out the company," he continued.

Mr McCarthy said he believes the historic archway deserves a more visual presence in the public realm. 

"It is a real shame to see bins and rubbish piled high against it daily. 

"It is in a very narrow and hidden corner, which doesn’t do its elaborateness any justice," he said. 

In a report to Mr McCarthy at the recent South Central Local Area Committee meeting, the city council’s conservation officer proposes to prepare a report for the next meeting which will examine the history and background to the siting of the doorcase in this location and make recommendations following an assessment of the implications of relocating it, including the identification of suitable types of sites. 

Once councillors have an opportunity to decide on the most appropriate action for the protection and enhancement of the doorcase, they will liaise with the relevant operational sections of the city council to progress the matter.