The controversial 30-ft steel sculpture erected last week in the village of Ballindine in Co Mayo is to be relocated. Following a heated public meeting in the village on Wednesday night, it was agreed that a new site for the imposing structure would be sought.
Local resident Mr Larry Goggins reflected the view of many at the protest meeting. "We were never consulted about the erection of this piece of work. We are not saying anything bad about the actual piece, but we are clear that we want it relocated to a different site in town."
The meeting was attended by Mayo County Council's Director of Services, Mr Ray Norten. Mr Norten admitted to the packed hall that the local authority had failed in its consultation process with the local community about the size of the installation.
"We accept that a better consultation process in the early stages of this development would have been helpful. Nonetheless, we are prepared to listen to the people and take on board their concerns.
"While I'm not prepared to take down the piece while a new site is being sought in the village, I have given a firm commitment to work positively with the local community, the sculptor and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, who have part-funded the sculpture, to find a new suitable site as quickly as possible," he said.
The Mayo county architect, Mr Peter Hynes, told the meeting that because the piece cost less than £50,000 and was erected on public property, there was no obligation for the authority to go through the planning process to erect it.
The sculpture, known as "The Player", is painted red, yellow and blue and depicts an open melodeon with the hands and head of a musician. It commemorates the late Martin Donoghue from Ballindine, who was the founder of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland. He was also a noted musician and teacher of traditional music.
The work cost €38,000. One third of that has been donated by the Disabled Drivers Association, while the remaining comes from the Department of the Environment's One Percent Arts Scheme.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Mr Pat McHugh said: "As a community we have made some progress on this issue. We are delighted and proud to host this piece of work and glad to commemorate Martin Donoghue in a significant way. All we need to do now is find an alternative location for the piece and I believe with goodwill on all sides this can be done.
"We will be back to the people in two weeks time with a list of alternative sites and hopefully the situation can be resolved quite quickly."