Mines memorial to land just a stone’s throw from its original position

Meath Council of Trade Unions and SIPTU have expressed bitter disappointment at the lack of consultation with them over the relocation of the sculpture which was recently moved from the Kells Road roundabout in Navan.

A meeting of Navan Municipal Council was told last week that the sculpture - ‘On the Great Wide Open’ - is to be relocated to a landscaped area just east of the new proposed signalised junction on the Kells Road.

“We are still expecting the council to do the right thing and formally invite us into the process,” said spokesperson, John Regan.

The sculpture pays tribute to all of the people who dedicated their lives to the mining industry in Navan.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy proposed at last week's meeting that the council “convene a local group to discuss a new placement for the Tara Mines commemorative statue ‘On the Great Wide Open’”.

He was told the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, which went on public display and was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2020 as part of the formal planning consent process, indicated the sculpture would be relocated to a landscaped area just east of the new proposed signalised junction on the Kells Road.

The council said contact had been made with the original artist who created the statue and informal discussions have taken place with Tara Mines.

“Discussions are also ongoing with Meath County Council’s Arts Officer and her team in relation to proposals for the details around the new statue location.”

Following the meeting, Cllr Fennessy said the motion he submitted called for the convening of a vested interest group to discuss the relocation of the statue.

“That group, as suggested, recommended involving the Trade Unions and the Workers of Tara Mines. I’m disappointed that they haven’t been included in the council’s discussion group.

“Into the Great Wide Open was dedicated to all of those who gave their lives to the mining industry in Navan. The workers and their industrial representatives operate at the frontline of that industry. They risk their lives during every shift. They have earned the right to have a say on a piece of art that was dedicated to them.

“That a location was decided during the planning process is a good thing. If the workers and their representatives were included in the current discussions it would be even better. I urge the council to include them in the ongoing negotiations,” he said.

Mr Regan said there seemed to be a “cosy arrangement” as the council had engaged with Tara Mines management but had not consulted with the workers or trade unions.

“In relation to the original planning application, a lot has happened since then but it doesn't exonerate them from engaging with the workers and trade unions who were responsible in being put in place.

“We are disappointed they did not reach out to us, knowing that the motion would be going before the council.

“It is not just an issue for SIPTU, but for all the trade unions involved and the Council of Trade Unions,” he said.