Edward Orpen Moriarty

Edward Orpen Moriarty (1822–1896) MInstCE was an Australian civil engineer, who undertook a number of important public works in New South Wales in the late nineteenth century.

Personal life and education Moriarty was born in County Kerry, Ireland, the second son of Commander Merion Moriarty, R.N. Staying behind to complete his education when his parents migrated to Australia, he completed a Bachelor of Arts and then Master of Arts at Trinity College, Dublin, was engaged as a cadet on the construction of the Isle of Portland breakwater and became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

In 1848, he migrated to New South Wales, initially being employed as an assistant in the Surveyor-General's Department, undertaking survey work in Queensland under Sir Thomas Mitchell. In 1852, he commenced private engineering practice in Sydney. While in the military, in the 1850s (and with approval), he undertook external commissions for the Penrith Nepean Bridge Co. and the first Pyrmont Bridge in 1866.

In 1862, Moriarty was made commissioner for roads and engineer-in-chief. He was a Sydney Water Supply Commissioner in 1868, president of the Hunter River Floods Commission in 1869–70, and also responsible for water supply schemes for Albury, Bathurst, Hunter Valley towns, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong. Part of the remaining north training wall is still called “Moriarty’s Wall” in recognition of his role.

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