What’s going on in Derry?
February 3rd, 2007I missed this in the news yesterday, and I have to admit I’m still a little unsure as to what is actually going on.
St Columba statue plan for the Foyle
A massive Statue of Liberty-type structure could be built in the River Foyle if a new multi-million pound development gets the green light, it emerged today.Plans for the £16m, 160ft high statue of St Columba have been unveiled by the Inner City Trust.
Source: Belfast Telegraph
It seems there are proposals to build a new landmark for Derry. As the BBC report has it, “Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Rio has Christ the Redeemer and New York has the Statue of Liberty,” and this is Derry’s attempt to match them.
Here’s a few photos. Click on the photo to get the source online.
I can’t say I’m a fan of what I’ve seen so far. And, given personal experience of the controversy in Letterkenny surrounding the PoleStar, I reckon Derry City Council we’re only starting to see trouble on this project.
More debate at: Slugger O’Toole
Update: Just posted the comments above, and read back through them. Very political language. I think this plan is ridiculous. There’s better ways to spend the money, there’s better things that could be put there, and there’s better ways to honour St Columcille, should that be their wish. I can’t believe this is seriously ever going to happen.
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4 Responses to “What’s going on in Derry?”
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March 11th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
That last picture , doesn’t it looks like a scene from the exorcist, where they cast out the devil Damien?
March 12th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I get what you’re saying. I can’t imagine this is ever going to happen in Derry.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
I work in the Architects office that has the job of realising this project. The project is shame and nothing, but a money making exercise of the developer..! It has no Merit or place in Derry, I hope that the people of Derry boycot any proposals to build a micky mouse statue such as this. The money shouls maybe be spent on regenerating the foyle frontage and getting rid of all the car parks.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I think it’s a great idea, however, the recent plans to build a foot bridge from the Cityside to the Waterside could be incorporated into this statue by making St Columba’s hands move in a rotary motion, lifting people from one side to the other, one by one. I’d like to hear anyones views, as i really think Derry could benefit from this obviously genius idea.