Too late to change Icarus’ location

ICARUS won’t be landing at a new home at the Clareabbey roundabout, despite calls from Councillor Mary Howard to relocate the famous sculpture on the roundabout leading into the town.
Speaking at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Howard stated, “This sculpture is of incredible importance having been created by John Behan, who has worked in the United Nations among other places.
“Ennis has a really nice skyline that is very pleasing to the eye and I believe that if Icarus was nicely lit, it would be lovely to see on the gateway into Ennis.”
However, Eddie Power, town clerk explained it is intended to relocate Icarus to the Rocky Road roundabout on the western relief road, as decided by the council previously.
“The appointment of a contractor to carry out the necessary supporting foundation for this sculpture has been approved. It is intended that the work to facilitate the relocation of this sculpture is to commence shortly,” he said.
Councillor Tommy Brennan added that in the Rocky Road the statue would be overlooking the town at one of its highest points. He said he is “delighted” that Icarus would once again be displayed.
Councillor Paul O’Shea agreed with Councillor Howard and called for a vote on the matter. However, town manager Ger Dollard outlined that €20,000 has been committed already to moving the statue to the Rocky Road, saying “it’s too late in the day” to change the plans.
He said, “Icarus is of significant size and is a major piece of sculpture. It is one of three major sculpture pieces we hope to have in situ soon.”
The others are the Information Age Town sculpture at Clon Road and Barry Wrafter’s sculpture of a market scene, which will be placed on the roundabout in the town’s market area.