Spire monument en route to Dublin

The Spire monument has finally begun its journey from Dungarvan to its new home in Dublin.

A convoy of vehicles left Waterford tonight accompanying the 60-foot trailer that is carrying the stainless steel monument, which was constructed in six sections.

Barring any unforeseen incidents it should arrive in Dublin city centre before 7am tomorrow.

Popularly known as the Spike, it will serve as a new icon for O'Connell Street, replacing Nelson's Pillar, which was blown up by the IRA in 1966.

The conical structure will be 120-metres high, three metres in diameter at its base, with its tip just 15cm across.

A powerful light from inside will illuminate the perforated 12-metre section at the top, which will taper off to a tip of optical glass.

It is designed to be able to sway gently in high winds to a maximum of 2.5 metres.

The design for the monument was provided by London architect Ian Ritchie, whose "Monument of Light" submission was selected from more than 200 entries in an international competition.

It had been hoped the new landmark would be in place by Christmas, but delays in its construction forced this date back.

The Spire will be mounted over a period of two to three weeks.