The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has announced the appointment of sculptor Antony Gormley as the artist in charge of a new sculptural commission for Docklands.

It is hoped the end result will be a sizeable structure, up to 48 metres high, that will be architectural in scale and be a signpost for the realignment of Dublin’s epicentre eastwards.

The appointment of Antony Gormley comes after an international competition and a year-long selection process for a landmark public art project for the Docklands.

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Paul Maloney, Chief Executive of the Docklands Authority, said that the announcement comes at an important time in the Docklands project. "The delivery of the Docklands Arts Strategy is now well on its way with the appointment of Antony Gormley for this sculptural commission, closely following the commencement on site of the new Grand Canal Theatre and the commitment of a site for our national theatre, the Abbey at George's Dock."

The Docklands Authority plans to lodge a planning application for the work before the end of the year. Subject to planning permission, construction is likely to start during 2008 and, once on site, the work will take approximately eight months to build and will cost in the region of €1.6 million.

A Dublin-based contractor capable of delivering the work is yet to be appointed. Antony Gormley and Arup Engineers are actively searching now for the necessary construction skills and technologies to enable them to deliver the project.

(LC)