Survey Data
Reg No
40809001
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Pier/jetty
In Use As
Pier/jetty
Date
1840 - 1860
Coordinates
260108, 437558
Date Recorded
16/10/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Pier\jetty, erected c. 1847, having modern mass concrete addition to the east end. Constructed of large squared and coursed cyclopean rubble stone masonry with squared and coursed rubble stone parapet wall to south. Inset ashlar steps to north side. Cast-iron mooring posts at intervals along length. Concrete surface to deck. Juts in Lough Foyle and located to west of Moville town centre. Section of rubble stone quay wall\retaining wall to the north-east.
Appraisal
This stone built pier is a reminder of the engineering achievements in the nineteenth century which enabled the economic and social development of the local community. Its survival and continued use is a testament to the high quality of its original design and construction. It was originally built c. 1847 to designs by Barry Duncan Gibbons (c. 1798-1862), engineer with the Board of Public Works. It was originally built as part of a programme following the passing of an Act of Parliament in 1846 that allocated £50,000 for the construction of fishery piers and harbours in Ireland as a (famine) relief measure. Over a period of about six years Gibbon was responsible for the outlay of over £100,000 on more than forty different works throughout Ireland including the construction of piers, harbours, breakwaters, boat-slips and docks. The fine section of rubble stone quay retaining wall to the north was probably built as part of the same works, and adds to the context.