Sparkling spire radiates for the first time

THE spire lit up for the first time last night, six months after it was first erected in Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

The red aviation light was removed from the 120 metre stainless steel structure yesterday and replaced with a half a metre high permanent white light that has been approved by the aviation authority.

The light, which is inside the spire and shines though 12,000 perforations, is visible from many points around the city.

A shimmering effect is created, particularly at dusk with the light and cone swaying in the wind. The spire is also lit by up-lighters set into the pavement through the brass surround.

The life expectancy of the light fixture inside the spire is between 10 and 20 years.

It can be winched down inside the spire for maintenance purposes.

The spire was designed by Welsh architect Ian Ritchie who was also involved in the once controversial glass pyramids at the Louvre in Paris and engineered by Cormac Deavy to withstand the elements.

Last January thousands of people watched the final capping of the spire when weather conditions allowed the final piece to be slotted into place.

While the largest sculpture in the world raised a few eyebrows at first, most city dwellers and visitors agree it looks well, particularly when the sun hits it on a fine day.

Dublin Business Association have described the spire as a modern piece of public art that reflects not only the start of the restoration of Ireland’s main street but a symbolic expression of a modern country facing the future with confidence.

The inauguration ceremony will take place on Monday morning and main guests will include Dublin’s City Manager, John Fitzgerald, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Dermot Lacey, City Architect with Dublin City Council, Jim Barrett and managing director of SIAC Construction, Finn Lyden.