Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in the construction of the promised national monument to honour deceased members of the Defence Forces; if it is intended to proceed with the planned location in Merrion Square, Dublin 2; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13558/08]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Memorial being designed by the artist, Mr. Brian King, is a complex art piece comprising many components, the four main components being, stone, steel, glass and bronze. Each individual component is crafted by specialists and the artist has worked closely with the various craftspeople to ensure precision in each component part to ensure minimum delay in constructing the piece.

The concept, though simple in theory, has proven more difficult in practice due to the intricacy of the design and the need to ensure precise compatibility of each component part. It is important that the extra time needed is spent at this stage to ensure the overall success of the project.

Construction work at the site in Merrion Square is due to commence later this month and the memorial is expected to be completed by the end of June 2008.