Derry to get city landmark
 LONDON has
Big Ben, New York has the Statue of Liberty but Derry in the North of
Ireland is now vying for world attention with plans for its own city landmark.
A gigantic monument of St. Columba is being considered for the middle
of the River Foyle.
The major sculpture would dominate the river. It would be dedicated to
Columba, whose connection with the city stretches back for centuries.
Tony Candon of Derry City Council believes the statue of Columba is perfect
for the area.
He said: “Columba was a Donegal man. He goes by two names. He goes
by the Latin form of the name — Columba — and the Irish form
— Columcille. Both come from the word meaning a dove which indicates
a man of peace, a man of God.
“He is in fact one of the three great early Irish saints —
St. Patrick, Brigid and Columba. And I suppose like Patrick he can be
claimed by everybody.”
Sculptor Maurice Harron is set to take charge of the project and believes
the 160ft high sculpture can de done with a team of 20 over two years.
He said: “We envisage there would be a viewing platform inside —
around about the neck area or shoulder area.”
“This would give a 360 degree viewpoint. There would be river taxis
to take people from the Cityside, from the Guildhall, and City Council
offices, and a bridge to the Waterside.”
The cost of the saintly giant is expected to be about £15million.
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