The Dublin Spire

The Dublin Spire
The Dublin Spire, or the 'Spike' as it now more commonly know, is the newest addition to the Dublin skyline. It was commisioned to mark the millenium celebrations in the city, but it in reality it was not completed until early 2003. It stands on the old site of Nelsons Pillar which was famously blown up by the IRA. It has however become a major argument amongst Dubliners as to whether it is a worthy addition to the cityscape.
The Spire stands 120 metres tall and is the largest sculpture in the world. It is to be the centre of the new O'Connell Street redevelopment, which aims at reshaping the famous street, and making it into more of a boulevard style, a la Champes Elysee. The new boulevard is set to be unveiled during the 2004 May Day celebrations in the city, which also coincides with Ireland's presidency of the E.U. and the entrance of the 10 new member countries into the E.U.