Navan mining sculpture to be relocated to ‘better’ new location
The Navan sculpture “On the Great Wide Open”, is set to take up a new position at a landscaped area to the south-east of the junction of the Kells Road and the new LDR4, councillors have been told.
The 3.2-metre stone sculpture, created by Patrick Barry, had stood on the roundabout at the junction for more than a decade before being removed last February to make way for a signalised junction.
Commissioned to commemorate those who worked in mining in Navan and those who lost their lives, the piece is regarded as a significant local landmark.
At the October meeting of Navan Municipal District, councillors were informed that the sculpture will remain close to its original location, and sit in an area relatively free from underground services — making it the most suitable site for relocation.
The sculpture will be restored to its original condition and will be framed by a new limestone wall, accompanied by a commemorative plaque and uplighters to highlight the piece at night.
Director of Services, Martin Murray, said: “It will be surrounded by architectural design, will be lit, and will have more prominence. It reflects the ethos of what it was initially intended for.”
Councillor Padraig Fitzsimons praised the plan, saying: “I think this location is a better one — the proposal looks fantastic.”
Unveiled on 18 May 2012 by then-Mayor Cllr Anton McCabe, “On the Great Wide Open” represents the quarrying of stone and its movement from one historic location to another.
Three tonnes of limestone from Kilkenny were used for the sculpture, while the boulder carried by the figure was made from zinc extracted locally from Tara Mines.