Passions run high over statue’s status

THE PROMOTERS of a statue to commemorate the late writer Bryan MacMahon (1909-1998) have appealed a planning decision by Listowel Town Council so they can retain the height of the monument in the interests of “the status of the statue.”

Controversy has surrounded the €27,000 project. Its scheduled erection and unveiling during last month's Listowel Writers' Week by Senator Maurice Hayes was postponed when it was realised it needed planning permission.

The 1.8 metre life-size bronze statue on a 15 centimetre bronze base on the grounds of the refurbished Listowel Castle was given the go-ahead, but on condition the 71cm stone base was omitted. Planners considered the overall height of 2.66 metres too high if the base were to be included.

However, Fine Gael TD Jimmy Deenihan who is chairman of the North Kerry Literary Trust has now told An Bord Pleanala: "It is our opinion that the stone base is of vital importance to the overall status of the statueThe position of the statue was very carefully chosen as the neighbouring property to the south, The Seanchai [Literary] Centre, provides an ideal backdrop."

The overall layout of the forecourt site had been designed by the architect of the OPW, the body who did up the castle, to accommodate the statue and use it as the focal point of the forecourt, he said.

In the overall context of the site, the statue was not high, Mr Deenihan added.