Classical proposal for Iveagh Gardens

Madam, – The Minister of State Dr Martin Mansergh TD, in turning down my idea for “Ireland’s National Music Sculpture Park” to be located in the Iveagh Gardens, in Dublin, stated the Iveagh Gardens are intended for “passive recreation”.

This weekend thousands of people will be trampling the green lawns of the Iveagh Gardens as they partake in a four-day long Taste of Dublin food festival! A comedy festival in the public Iveagh Gardens will follow in July.

I had envisaged sculptures of Ludwig Van Beethoven, Mozart, etc, along with our own Irish composers joining the fine life-sized bronze statue of John McCormack in the Iveagh Gardens, as a prestigious tourist attraction for Ireland.

The Society of Irish Composers thinks it an excellent idea, Senator David Norris does too, along with many other politicians.

Ireland could be the first country in the world to open a park dedicated to music-related sculpture on a large scale. The proximity of our National Concert Hall could help to ensure such an endeavour would be very successful.

Classical music concerts could help cover the cost of commissioning the works of music-related artwork.

Food for thought? – Yours, etc,