THE specially commissioned monument to commemorate the thousands of men who down through the generations worked as dockers, will not be appearing as quickly as had been anticipated on a riverside location. Shortage of funds has delayed completion.
Cllr Jim Long who spearheaded the project with City Hall executives,
and was one of the judging panel which drew up a shortlist of the entries submitted from artists, is particularly angry.
Speaking recently to this newspaper, the councillor predicted the monument would be erected early Spring, 2009.
However this week, he was told by director of services, Pat Dowling, that they were waiting to hear from the Limerick Main Drainage Company if it is agreeable to making an allocation in the region of 50,000 euro.
“I also had a meeting with the chief executive of the Shannon Foynes Port Company, asking him for financial assistance for the project, but haven’t heard back from him to-date.
“Like lots of things at the moment, a lot has changed and we have to do the same. The key stakeholders must help with funding and if they do, we can proceed, but if not, we will have to scale back our original plan.”
Recently, it emerged that the four figure sculpted work would be reduced to three figures.
Thanking Mr Dowling for “his honesty,” Cllr Long reminded him that the original estimate for the sculpture was in the region of 110,000 euro, with the city council providing 50,000 euro. “We had 50,000 euro from the city council
Mr Dowling said that when he knows exactly what the Main Drainage will come up with financially, the project can be moved ahead.
“I will be hoping that we can proceed with the monument and the location – let’s continue to be confident”.
Admitting to be very disappointed with the turn of events, Cllr Kevin Kiely said the issue had been dragging on for almost three years now.
“I’m also disappointed that the port company hasn’t come up trumps for these people who worked so hard for the port, and which had no problem spending 1.5million in legal fees trying to sell the Docks – we should now meet with the port company to tell them a few home truths”..
Cllr Kiely told the meeting he has attended the funerals of three dockers over the past few months.
“Unfortunately, these men passed on without seeing the monument, that would have meant so much to them and their families. Time isn’t on our side now – there are fewer and fewer of the dockers left. I have to say that the port company’s handling of the issue leaves a lot to be desired”.
Speaking to the Limerick Post after the meeting, cllr Long said he is remaining optimistic that an assurance given by Mr Dowling that he will deliver a new deadline for the project in two weeks time, will prove productive.
