‘Would a view of Niall of the Nine Hostages look out of place in Navan?’
Cllr seeking to identify locations in Navan with view to placing murals
A MURAL of Niall and the Nine Hostages or Francis Beaufort could still be on the way for Navan town despite a setback with funding routes - that's according to Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy.
Cllr Fennessy put forward a motion calling on the council to engage in identifying key locations throughout Navan with a view to placing street art or murals on buildings in celebration of cultural or historical figures at meeting of last month’s Navan Municipal Council.
Meath County Council responded stating that the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme which allows for the installation of murals is only applicable to towns/villages of populations less than 15,000, however community groups who wish to apply for funding for a mural in their area, can do so under the community grants scheme. They added that there are no other funding streams available for the installation of murals in larger towns.
Cllr Fennessy believes such street art could add much character to the town.
"Over the past few years, gable ends in towns and villages across the state benefitted immensely from the addition of colourful murals.
"In almost all cases, modern artworks, depicting local historic or cultural iconography, brought to life, the otherwise drab little side streets of provincial Ireland.
"Incredible work was carried out in Waterford city to commemorate it's Viking past. Carrickmacross too, is brought to life by a colourful depiction of its most famous son, the poet, Patrick Kavanagh.
“Indeed, you need look no further than Slane to see the benefits a mural (of poet Francis Ledwidge) of historic relevance can provide to a streetscape.
"Would a view of Niall of the Nine Hostages look out of place in the centre of Navan? The Salmon of Knowledge? Francis Beaufort?
"We have the potential to develop a number of significant artworks in the town and it is my intention to push on in that regard."
Fennessy says he hopes local artists will come together to put together a funding application.
"Over the past few months, I held numerous discussions with a local artist and a local graphic designer," he said. Both of whom, approached me to ask if it would be possible to organise such projects in Navan.
"I note the council's response, whilst it's disappointing that we don't qualify for the type of funding required to produce murals. However, I take heart from the fact that community funding is available. I'd be hopeful that local artists might secure some of that funding to deliver this project for the town.
"A question for the executive. In terms of private funding on private property. Would an artist need planning permission to create a large mural on a town centre gable end?"
Meath County Council has been contacted for comment