The Mining Heritage Society of Ireland at the AGM have launched an appeal to
save the Man Engine House at Allihies, County Cork. This building is unique
in the world there were only ever 19 man engines ever built 16 in Cornwall,
1 in Australia, 1 on the Isle of Man and Allihies which is the only purpose
built man engine house still standing.
Erected in 1982 it is a potent symbol of mining heritage as it sits in a
prestigious position on the mountain side overlooking the Atlantic. The
wooden lintels to the building have all rotted and need replacing. The
chimney has several cracks and a lot of bricks missing around the top. The
most damage done to the building was when the Engine was removed and a
pillar and lintel were removed and this where the most structural weaknesses
appear. It is a testament to the Cornish design and quality Cornish build
that it is still standing today.
The cost of restoration is in the region of £150,000 and the society are
looking for donations to help for match funding no matter how small. Due to
the current exchange rate every £1.00 sterling donated it is worth £1.20+
Irish punt, the society can also accept sterling cheques so there is no
problem with paying bank charges.
Donations or any suggestions for possible funding should be sent to John
Morris Treasurer, MHSI c/o Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush,
Haddington Road, Dublin 4 Ireland. Tel (00353) (from Ireland dial 0 first) 1
6041473
E-mail Address(es):
[log in to unmask]
For more information on the site read British Mining no 42 Berehaven Mines
by Alan Williams which features a picture of The Mountain Mine Engine house.
I do have a few copies left if anyone wants details.
Mike Moore Mining and Caving Bookseller
WWW.moorebooks.co.uk
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|