Benson Biography

The original 19th century scheme for the waterworks was designed by Sir John Benson, born in Collooney, Co. Sligo in 1812. Benson was appointed surveyor to Cork City and County in 1851 and spent the remainder of his short career there. In 1852 he designed the buildings for the Irish Industrial Exhibition in Dublin and was knighted on the exhibition's opening, but the majority of his work can be found in Cork city. Although trained as an architect, and working as City Architect at the time of his commission to design the new waterworks for the city, Benson’s work was often of an engineering nature and included the construction of several bridges, as well as large stretches of quay walls for the Cork Harbour Commissioners. He was, however, also responsible for many of Cork city’s landmark buildings, including the Athenaeum, later the much-loved Opera House, St. Vincent’s Church in Sunday’s well, St. Luke’s Church, the Butter Market and the English Market.

Although both Thomas Wicksteed and Thomas Hawksley (influential British Victorian engineers with particular expertise in pumping engines and water supply) were consulted by Cork Corporation, Benson’s original scheme for the waterworks was not entirely successful, and the choice of plant much criticised. The capacity required in order to successfully supply the city with water was also underestimated, and this resulted in an additional block of buildings (currently the Visitor Centre) being constructed only three to four years after the original scheme had been completed. The scheme had also been designed without workshops and stores which were added soon after the original scheme was completed (currently the Schools Resource Centre and Information Centre). Likewise, the capacity of the turbine house was increased which involved the extension of the building.