Plans to erect Clare statue to Richard Harris opposed

Plans to erect a statue to celebrate late Hollywood actor Richard Harris in Kilkee are facing opposition from residents in the west Clare resort.

Earlier this year, the Richard Harris Memorial Committee lodged plans with Clare County Council to erect a statue to celebrate the actor in the Wellington Square area of Kilkee.

The statue is to depict Harris playing racquet ball in memory of the Limerick man winning a racquet ball competition four years in a row in Kilkee, where he used spend many of his summer holidays.

The twice Oscar-nominated actor and star of Gladiator and The Field had strong associations with the resort.

The cost of the project to commemorate the actor is €40,000. Project director for the plan Manuel di Lucia said yesterday that Harris's three sons have confirmed that they will contribute €21,000 to the project.

Mr di Lucia said that fundraising will furnish the necessary €19,000 and the committee is planning to have the statue by Séamus Connolly in place for September 30th when a major ceremony is planned.

Mr di Lucia yesterday rejected the claim that the statue would attract a noisy element or become a focal point for people at night, causing severe inconvenience to the local residents.

Mr di Lucia also said that it is clear that the ownership of the site in question is with Clare County Council.

Arising from the objections, the council has put on hold plans for the statue.

It has now asked the committee to provide a letter of consent from the owners of the site to lodge the application and also provide details of the height and dimensions of the statue.