Wheel deal: Dublin icon ships out after 16 months

THE FORTUNE of Dublin’s wheel took a turn for the worst yesterday as the 60m attraction was being packed up just 16 months after it opened.

The Revolver observation wheel at the Point Village site was closing due to a lack of business during the winter season, site owner Harry Crosbie said.

The 350 tonne, 42-pod wheel will be shipped to York, England, operator Great City Attractions confirmed yesterday.

It may yet be reinvented as the company “is hopeful of returning to Dublin next summer with a newer model”, a statement on behalf of the operator said.

“We are already in discussions to see whether it would be viable to bring in another observation wheel and will make a decision early next year,” Mr Crosbie said.

Among the alternatives being considered by the businessman is a tethered balloon rising over the area, similar to an attraction in Berlin, Germany.

The wheel’s site next to the 02 venue will not be developed until the economy improves, Mr Crosbie added. The wheel was attracting “consistent numbers of visitors” and this was why another attraction was being considered, Crosbie Property said in a statement. No official visitor figures are available for the attraction.

The operator made several efforts to boost business such as selling 12,000 cut-price tickets through a deals website.

“It would be a great attraction in the right location,” said Independent Dublin city councillor Nial Ring.

Photograph: Cyril Byrne