Annabella works to finish within the next fortnight
CALL FOR PUBLIC TO HAVE A SAY ON RELOCATION OF MICHAEL QUANE’S ‘HORSE AND RIDERS’ STATUE
A SENIOR Cork County Council official has said the realignment works at the Annabella Roundabout in Mallow should be fully completed within the next fortnight.
Senior Executive Engineer Jim Moloney told the September meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow District Committee that final works have commenced on the project with the centre island feature, metal letters spelling out the word Mallow, set to be installed over the coming days.
His comments dovetailed neatly with a motion placed by Cllr John Paul O’Shea (Ind) in relation to the repositioning of Michael Quane’s famous ‘ Horse and Riders’ sculpture that has stood in the heart of the roundabout for more than two decades.
He asked that the council identify two or three new possible locations for the statue, which is currently being restored by Mr Quane, and that these then be put to the public to decide on its future permanent location.
“There are plenty of discussions about where it should be put and I believe the public should have a say in this as the statue has a lot of resonance for the people of Mallow. My preferred location would be in a public place where it can be viewed,” said Cllr O’Shea.
“I would ask that the council identify two or three suitable locations and put these to the public. It is important they have a choice,” he added.
Timmy Collins (Ind) said he believed the Cork Racecourse would be a suitable location for the statue.
“I’m sure they would only be delighted to find a space for it,” he said.
Cllr Melissa Mullane (SF) said she would rather see it go on public display.
“As far as I am aware Mr Quane intends to bring the sculpture on tour with some of his other pieces, so it is unlikely that it will be back in Mallow for another year. When it does come back, I would like to see it placed in a public area rather than a private area such as the racecourse,” she said.
Mr Moloney said the Council’s Roads Office was working with their arts officer and Mr Quane to identify a suitable future location for the statue, taking in issues such as safety, accessibility and engineering practicalities.
He said the aim was to locate it in a public space.
“It is important that the views of the public are taken into consideration. However, it is not recommended that there be a popularity contest to arrive at this decision. It is important that we gather people’s views and make an informed decision,” said Mr Moloney.
In reply, Cllr O’Shea said he was not seeking a popularity contest, which was why only he asked that only two or three locations be proposed by the council.
“If you ask in general people will come up with locations that are off the wall and do not take into consideration safety or engineering issues. Once people are aware of these issues, they can make informed choices,” he said.
“I would ask that the arts officer compile a report with feasible options that could be put to the public so there can be an open discussion on the issue,” he concluded.