John Gormley
Ceist:273 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if the clock in Dublin Castle is the original; if it has ever been removed for repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1194/03]
Written Answers. - Dublin Castle Restoration.
During the Office of Public Works' restoration of Dublin Castle in the 1980s the clock face in the Bedford Tower in the upper courtyard of Dublin Castle was removed for restoration. This clock face dates from c.1900 and is not the original clock face which was completely weathered and was restored by Henry Spring and Company of Dublin in 1987 before being replaced in Bedford Tower. The original mechanism is too worn to run the clock face but has been left in place. An electronic mechanism has been installed alongside this to ensure that the clock keeps good time.
When this now restored clock face was removed, an older, marble clock face was found behind it. This clock face dates from the mid 18th century and it is thought to be the original clock face. However, given its condition and the material used in its construction, it was not amenable to restoration. It now stands on display in Castle Hall, which is directly behind the Bedford Tower.