Cork's latest and most striking piece of public art was unveiled yesterday by Lord Mayor Deirdre Clune who said the work represented the continuing cultural engagement between the business community and the city evident during the European Capital of Culture year.
Entitled Reedpod, the 13.3m (44ft) high piece by sculptor Eilis O'Connell was donated to the city by property development company Howard Holdings, and is located near the company's €130 million Clarion Hotel project at the City Quarter on Lapps Quay.
"I think Corkonians and visitors alike will be struck by its impact and pleasure on the evolving streetscape in the docklands area - it is a wonderful addition to the city's works of public art," said Ms Clune as she formally accepted the sculpture on behalf of the city.
Howard Holdings managing director Greg Coughlan said the gift marked the completion of City Quarter, the first landmark development over 400 acres of Cork's docklands, and he believed it would symbolise "what will be a remarkable journey ahead for the city".
Eilis O'Connell said the idea for Reedpod, which is made of copper sheeting and weighs over three tonnes, came from the site itself, situated on a small patch of land between the north and south channels of the river Lee and originally a marsh.
"Over time, the site evolved from solid earth to city. I am intrigued by this type of slow transformation, so I tried to imagine the site before man interfered with it."