Plans to erect a limestone sculpture of a bull in Navan's market square have met with opposition from some residents. They have threatened legal action against the town council if the proposal isn't scrapped.
Letters opposing the move are being distributed to 6,000 homes in Navan this weekend by a local campaign group. It is encouraging residents to sign them and forward them to the council to register dissatisfaction.
While it will not be clear until the returned letters are vetted what percentage of townspeople oppose the plan, those who do say they don't know anyone in favour of it.
Clearly there are those who favour it as the plan was approved by the council in December. Four members of the council now say, however, that that decision should be reconsidered.
The plan originated more than a year ago when it was decided to erect a piece of artwork on a traffic island in the market square to give the square a focal point.
Advertisements were placed by Meath County Council and Navan UDC, now called the town council, in a number of national publications seeking submissions from artists for a work which would suit the market square.
Artists were informed the budget for the piece was €63.490 and that the square had "a long tradition of fairs, meetings and gatherings".
Navan area manager Mr Joe Crockett confirmed 18 submissions were received.
These were shortlisted to five by a selection committee comprising a member of the UDC, county council members and officials, and a nominee of the Arts Council.
The committee eventually selected the design presented by Galway-based sculptor Colin Grehan of two workers struggling with a bull. A model of the work was then approved by the town council.
The chairman of an action committee which is fighting the plan, Mr Paddy Pryle, complained residents were not consulted.
"I don't have a problem with the bull as such; only that it's being put in the market square against the wishes of the people. The market square is not the place for it."
He said he hoped the town council would see "common sense" and shelve the plan, but if it didn't he would take legal action.
Mr Jim Holloway, of the town council, said the sculpture had "certain artistic merit" but the town square was not a suitable site for it. "It's in your face too much. It's likely to be the subject of crude vandalism."
Another town council member, Ms Mary Foley, said she felt the piece would be more suited to a rural setting.
She felt a waterfall or fountain would have been more appropriate. "I haven't come across anyone who wants this."
Local jeweller Mr Alfie Walsh said he was not at all happy about the bull. "It does not represent Navan culture or Navan as it was. It certainly won't enhance the square."
Mr Crockett said he accepted not everyone would like the piece. "That is the nature of any work of art. Another work of art or sculpture would be likely to have the same result."
He added that Mr Grehan was commissioned to make the sculpture after "due process" and this was now "legally binding" on the council. The sculpture would take a year and a half to complete.
Mr Christy Gorman, deputy mayor of Navan, who was on the selection committee, said Mr Grehan's sculpture was by far the best piece of artwork that came before the committee.
Mr Grehan said he was shocked at the controversy surrounding his piece and believed those who were objecting were objecting for objection sake. "What we have is a small set of objectors. I haven't heard a single critical comment that makes any kind of logic. If you are going to tear something down, you better have a good reason for it.
"The fact that the piece was chosen in such a diplomatic format by representatives of the people of Navan puts my mind at rest. I also feel instinctively it's right. Otherwise I wouldn't proceed."