Belfast's build heritage has just received a fillip with news of a new public art installation.

NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has announced the commissioning of new public art, the 'Magic Jug', for Fountain Street in Belfast City Centre.

The Jug, which will stand five and a half metres tall, is based on an antique Irish water jug from around 1700, the time when George McCartney, Sovereign had Muny's well at Sandy Row diverted to supply water to the poor of Belfast at what is now called Fountain Street.

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The Triskelion, which is a symbol within the ancient megalithic art of Ireland, will be made from polished aluminium with a silvery reflective appearance, and will appear like water miraculously spouting from the jug. The Kingfisher at the top of the sculpture will be a dramatic accent at the top of the sculpture and act as a symbol of good fortune for the city and its bright future.

Minister Ritchie said: "This is a fascinating link between the rich history of old Belfast and the dynamic, attractive modern city centre that we are producing. Belfast city centre is well on its way to having a streetscape which compares highly with other regional capital cities across Europe. Public art plays a key pivotal role in that."

(NS/BMcC)