Kilkee's statue of actor may be moved

The Bord Pleanála appeals board yesterday granted planning permission for a statue commemorating Hollywood actor Richard Harris to be erected at its originally planned location in Kilkee, west Clare.

Last year the promoters of the statue were forced to change their plans to locate it in the Wellington Street area after a local resident, Maureen McMahon, objected.

Instead it was decided to erect it in a location overlooking the Pollock Holes, and the unveiling took place there last September, with Hollywood actor Russell Crowe as special guest.

The statue depicts Harris playing racquetball, in memory of his winning a racquetball competition on four successive occasions in the west Clare resort where he used to spend his summer holidays.

Ms McMahon, West End House, Wellington Square, had argued that she had no objection to the statue, but she did object to where it was being put.

"The proposed statue is 20 yards from my house. I do not want a statue or anything like it erected in front of my home."

Yesterday the board ruled that having regard to the provisions of the development plan, the proposed statue would not impact on the character or integrity of the architectural conservation area.

It also ruled that the statue would not detract from the visual amenities of the area or the residential amenities of adjoining properties.

Project director for the statue Manuel di Lucia said yesterday: "We're very happy with the decision. It vindicates our view that the statue was fine for where it was first proposed." However, he said the existing site of the Harris statue "is receiving a great response as it is attracting a lot of people to that part of Kilkee".

Asked would the statue be relocated to its original location, Mr di Lucia said: "We are considering our options on this. The statue where it is at currently has provided major publicity to Kilkee and has become a very good attraction in itself."