The businessman behind a proposal for a 'giant' moving digital statue in Dublin’s docklands says it has the potential to become one of Ireland’s biggest attractions and is calling for the city council to support his project.
The plan for the proposed attraction, called The Giant, would involve installing a human‑shaped figure measuring between 30 and 60 metres tall in the city’s George’s Dock area. It would be capable of displaying digital images across its surface.
Sixty metres is the height of nearby Liberty Hall.
The Dublin entrepreneur backing the project, Paddy Dunning, told RTÉ's Prime Time "what we want to do with the Giant is give back to the city."
"From my experience, 40 years in the centre of the city, it really needs something big," he said, "it really needs something mega, and we think we've got it in the Giant Project."
The proposal cost estimate is €29m. Mr Dunning said it would funded through private investment, though he would also seek public grants or funding where available.
The George’s Dock site is currently not in use. Other proposals for it in recent years have included an outdoor swimming pool, a white‑water rafting facility and sports pitches.
Dublin City Council confirmed it contributed towards the costs of an independent feasibility assessment carried out on behalf of The Giant Company, though did not respond to a question about how much funding it provided.
In response to questions about The Giant proposal, the council pointed to its digital transformation strategy, which aims to make Dublin a "truly digital city" by 2030. It also referenced the Dublin City Taskforce report, which highlighted the need to create "compelling reasons" to visit the city.
Visitors would be charged a ticket of approximately €25 for access to The Giant, and be able to project their likeness on the statue. The feasibility study also proposes that it be used for commercial projects and advertising.
Green Party Dublin City Councillor Feljin Jose told Prime Time that he did not support the proposal as it appeared to be "aimed almost entirely at tourists".
"I don't see how it benefits the people of Dublin," he said, "we're missing really good amenities for people in Dublin Central, and what we need in one of the last bits of public space left in the city centre is a world-class amenity for the people."
Responding, Mr Dunning said "the thing will have to be viable. It can't be a drain on the services".
"So, what we want to do is - of course - make money, so it'll pay for itself, but in terms of the local community, The Giant is only part of it."
"We want to build a hub and a small indoor immersive space and a small venue. We want to build rehearsal studios. We want to build a place that's accessible for the local community and the inner city community in that area and the wider arts," he said.
