Limerick sculpture will not see the light

A LIGHT sculpture which was expected to have been installed in the revamped O’Connell Street will now not be put on display - despite €20,000 being spent on the project.

The information came to light following a question by northside councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara.

Council had commissioned artist Connolly Cleary to do the work, expected to be installed at the Thomas Street junction.

Cllr Hickey-O’Mara was told by director Vincent Murray that an assessment panel unanimously agreed the artwork was not developed where it could proceed to be implemented on the main thoroughfare.

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The Social Democrats councillor told Limerick Live that members of the local arts community had raised the issue over the last few months.

"I've been aware of Cleary's work since their permanent installation "Colour Wheels" was unveiled outside the Lime Tree Theatre on the Mary I campus the year I began studying there. It's an iconic piece which has become synonymous with the Lime Tree and with Mary I itself," he said.

Mr Murray did confirm that other suitable artwork might progress and be placed at the Thomas Street junction.

"It's good to know that the O'Connell Street/Thomas Street junction is still available to accommodate a suitable art installation in the future but I wonder why this did not proceed after €20,000 had already been spent," said Cllr Hickey-O'Mara.