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Emigrant monument needs promotion, say city officials

By Noreen Bowden | July 11, 2007

A Cork monument honouring Irish emigrants isn’t getting enough attention, according to a report in the Irish Examiner. The newspaper reports that city councillors are concerned that the monument, which was launched in September, needs more promotion.

The Listening Post monument on Penrose Quay is comprised of four stainless steel posts, which play recordings of interviews with hundreds of emigrants, their descendents, people left behind and ship workers.  Penrose Quay was a departure point for emigrant boats in the middle decades of the last century.

The monument was developed by sculptor Daphne Wright, Meridian Theatre Company artistic director Johnny Hanrahan and sound designer Dan Jones. The €100,000 project is the city’s first permanent sound installation.

But city councillors say not many have heard the Listening Post monument. “These are supposed to be listening posts. But I’ve never seen anyone listening to them”, the paper quotes Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Driscoll. Mr O’Driscoll added the worthy project was suffering from a lack of promotion.

City manager Joe Gavin agreed to distribute brochures to Cork’s tourist offices and hotels. City arts officer Liz Meaney said the public reaction to the project’s launch was hugely positive.

Read the full report on the Irish Examiner website.

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