Is it a duck or swan?

A north Westmeath county councillor wants the local authority to consider redesigning the Children of Lir sculpture in the centre of Castlepollard.

Speaking at the recent meet of Mullingar Municipal District, Cllr Una D'Arcy said that she wants the council to “appraise and redesign” the sculpture, which she describes as a “key feature” in the town. The problem with the piece of public work artwork, according to Cllr D'Arcy, is that the three swans look like ducks due to the shortness of their necks.

She said that while she is unsure of the veracity of the story, she was told that in the original design of the sculpture the three swans had longer necks more fitting of their species. However, the necks were supposedly shortened due to concerns about the artwork's durability.

Cllr D'Arcy asked Mullingar Municipal District to review the original design to ascertain whether the story was true. In addition to her dislike of the duck-like swans in the fountain, Cllr D'Arcy asked the council to ensure that the water feature is in proper working order.

“It is supposed to be a fountain and it doesn't work properly. It is a key feature and it's in the centre of the village, it should be something dramatic and interesting and engaging. It's not. I do think that we should look at this sculpture and give the swans their necks that they deserve.

“If that story isn't true then maybe we should review having a different focal point in the town.”

Cllr Sorca Clarke voiced her support for her party colleague saying the level of water at the fountain is “negligible”.

Cllr Paddy Hill said that if there are any moves to change or alter the feature the people of Castlepollard should be consulted with.

“You might find half a dozen in favour [of changing the fountain] and a dozen against.”

Saying that she wanted to put Cllr Hill “at ease”, Cllr D'Arcy said that three different community groups approached her to bring the issue to the attention of MMD.

While he said that there were no plans to alter the design of the sculpture, director of services Martin Murray said that the local authority would look at the “non-functioning element”.

He also agreed to check the original design of the sculpture to see if it was altered.