Monument given €141,000 facelift

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council yesterday marked the completion of conservation work on the obelisk on Killiney Hill in Co Dublin.

More than 100 invited guests and onlookers gathered at the two-storey structure, which dates from 1742, to enjoy somewhat misty views of Dublin Bay and hear Cathaoirleach Denis O'Callaghan express his delight that the monument was again open to the public.

The obelisk was extensively restored over the past two years under the supervision of Howley Hayes Architects.

Work included the removal of all cement rendering and its replacement with a lime and sand dashing. Blocked openings were reinstated and new doors and windows in a mid-18th century style were installed. A new mezzanine level floor was installed and handrails were fitted to an internal staircase.

Guided tours of the obelisk were available for guests yesterday.

The restoration , which cost €141,000, is part of an ongoing programme of work on heritage buildings.

Restoration works are at various stages on the bandstand and shelter on the East Pier, the tea rooms and gate lodge at the People's Park, the bandstand in Sorrento Park and the Stillorgan obelisk on Carysfort Avenue. Other buildings in the scheme include the telegraph tower on Killiney Hill and the buildings on Dalkey Island and in Blackrock and Cabinteely Park.

A Carrara marble plaque on the Killiney obelisk records that it was built as a relief scheme for the local poor. The council says it is now "one of the most prominent and best-loved follies in Ireland". It was build by a local landowner, John Mapas.

Mr O'Callaghan said he wished to publicly acknowledge the "magnificent work of all concerned in the project", including the dedicated team of council staff, who had ensured that the amenity was maintained for future generations.