Foundation & Construction In March 1932, the tender of Messrs. John Sisk and Son Builders was accepted by Cork Corporation for the building of City Hall for the estimated sum of £139,870. The eventual total cost of the building, including fittings, furniture, electrical and heating installations, and painting and decoration was roughly £200,000. The foundation stone of the City Hall was laid on 9 July 1932, by Eamon De Valera, President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State (the precursor to the office of the Taoiseach).
The main part of the construction was to take 3 years. First occupation of the building took place in March 1935, when the staff from a number of departments moved into the western wing.
The first meeting of the City Council held in the new building took place on 23 April 1935.
Photo. Laying of Foundation Stone of City Hall, by President Eamon De Valera, 9 July 1932. This stone is still visible at the entrance to City Hall. (Courtesy of the Irish Examiner)
Letter from Senator JC Dowdall, concerning purchase of furniture for the City Hall, formewrly belonging to William O’Brien MP, 1933
Photo of City Hall under construction,1934 – 1935. Note the clock tower is not yet in place.
Lord Mayor Cllr. Frank Daly and Eamon De Valera in procession with elected members of the Corporation, 9 July 1932
Letter from Fitzgerald & Co. who supplied electrical equipment, 1934
Letter from Jones and Kelly Architects, to City Manager, signed personally by Alfred E. Jones, 1933
Letter from Sisk and Co., the main building contractor for City Hall, to Philip Monahan City Manager, 1936.
Photo from newspaper showing City Hall under construction, c.1934
Estimates for furniture from John Sisk and Sons and from The Munster Arcade, 1934
Blessing of the Foundation Stone by Dean of Cork, 9 July 1932
Letter from City Manager Philip Monahan to Engineers McAteer and MacEntee, Engineers, 1933
Photo of interior of City Hall talen in March 1935
Newspaper description of the foundation ceremony, 1932.
Letter from Barry M. Egan concerning crucifix for Council Chamber, 1937
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