The location of a bronze sculpture of a hawthorn tree that can barely be glimpsed by motorists on a busy Co Donegal bypass has prompted disagreement between councillors and arts representatives.
The tree, titled Between the Known and Unknown but dubbed "the bush" by locals, cost €63,000. It is on a bleak site 10m overlooking the N15 halfway between the two towns it bypasses, Bundoran and Ballyshannon.
Artists Elizabeth Caffrey and Seán Campbell designed and sculpted the piece. The hawthorn holds a significant place in local pagan mythology.
As there is no access to the work for those who might wish to stop and study it, critics argue it can be seen only momentarily by passing motorists, most of whom are unaware it is a work of art. There have also been complaints that the sculpture is a hazard to motorists who do spot it and try to take a longer look as they drive by.
But Donegal County Council public arts manager Terri Duffy denies there is any threat to driver safety. She said that when the tree was commissioned by the National Roads Authority last year, councillors were satisfied it was value for money. However, Ballyshannon town councillors now want it relocated to an accessible site.
Cllr Brendan Travers questions the expenditure on the sculpture given its location. "We do need to make it more accessible to the public. It's something you can only see by glancing from the main road at 60 miles an hour."
No one was criticising the quality of the work of art, he said, but the public must be given an opportunity to enjoy it. He suggested the town council agree to a lay-by with a landscaped picnic area.