A new sculpture, known as 'The Roses', has been officially unveiled by Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

The sculpture is located on the Tralee Bypass and consists of three red roses on their stems. It was created by Rory Breslin as part of the Percent for Art Scheme.

Situated beside the roundabout which links the Tralee Bypass to the N22 Killarney road, the Roses sculpture highlights the well-known symbol of the Tralee area, as well as the famous Rose of Tralee song.

Minister Donohue attended the official unveiling and thanks those involved in the construction of the Tralee Bypass, and the creation of the new sculpture.

-- Advertisement --

He said: "It is important that we continue to support our artists through the Precent for Art scheme, which allows for a portion of the cost of a public infrastructure project to be ring-fenced for the commissioning of a work of art.

"Iconic installations such as this very quickly become a symbol of the area, and the consideration the public gives to them is evidenced by the fact that submissions for what would be placed here, just outside Tralee, were received from as far away as Australia and the US. I want to congratulate Rory Breslin on a wonderful design and wish him luck in what I am sure will be a bright future.

"The Tralee Bypass, which was opened last year by Minister Jimmy Deenihan, has had a significant impact on the region, through improved journey times for locals and tourist due to a reduction in traffic through town.

"Ensuring that we do all we can to facilitate tourism, while removing obstacles to economic growth, is key to our future development and increased job creation. Linking road construction to artistic endeavours, as we have with the Roses, allows us to support and encourage our artist in an innovative and original way."

The cost for the Tralee Bypass was €74,000 and covered all aspects of the commission, including the new Roses sculpture.

(JP/IT)