City seeks to beef up festive trade with the help of Cow Up A Tree
And hard-pressed traders are set to milk it for all it’s worth.
City manager Tim Lucey unveiled plans last night to install the massive bronze statue, entitled Cow Up A Tree, in the heart of the city in the run-up to Christmas as part of a package of measures designed to boost festive shopping.
The package includes free parking deals in two of the city’s public car parks in November, and an expanded 15-day Christmas market. Mr Lucey said the initiatives could attract up to 150,000 visitors to the city.
He said the council spent some €20,000 three years ago securing the rights to display artist John Kelly’s quirky cow installation, which has been exhibited in Paris, The Hague, Melbourne and France.
The piece, by the 49-year-old Bristol-born, Australian-raised artist who now lives in Ireland, will go on show on Emmet Place for 15 weeks.
“This installation has proved to be a major attraction in other European cities and should prove to be a great talking point and draw for locals and visitors alike for the period,” said Mr Lucey.
He also confirmed that motorists will have free parking between 10am and noon from Monday to Thursday in Paul Street and North Main Street car parks throughout November.
There will also be free parking from 6.30pm to midnight in Paul Street car park to incentivise late night shoppers.
Councillors welcomed the overall package but some criticised the bovine-inspired art installation, branding it “an embarrassment” and a “waste of public money”.
Cllr Tim Brosnan (FF) distanced himself from the project and said: “I want people to know that, as an elected public representative, I had no hand, act or part in buying this Cow Up A Tree. Councillors didn’t know about this project. In fact, I want the cost of it deducted from wages of the people involved.”
Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Ind) agreed and said: “I can see the headlines now: from the city that brought you the Sky Garden, here comes the Cow Up A Tree.”
But Mr Lucey said he makes no apologies for the decision and said anything that would attract more people in to the city — where retailers are under pressure — can only be a good thing.
John Kelleher (Lab) backed the move and said it is a time for brave decisions.
“Let’s be imaginative and brave — if it’s good enough for Melbourne and The Hague, then it’s good enough for Cork,” he said.
Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn (FF) also defended the cow plan.
“We’re a city of art, a former European capital of Culture. Culture and arts have developed this city,” he said.
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