Homeward—motorway artwork

The original location for this artwork was to be the M9 Kilcullen to Carlow Motorway at Ballymount, writes Jim Collins. The piece costing a high five figure sum is designed and tilted to be readable by traffic travelling at 120 km an hour approaching it from both directions of the motorway. It is 4.7 m high, the height of a two storey house.  
 
The reason for its re-location is due to the danger of theft. Why has it to be hidden in The Valley, which has no connection with the M9 when it should be viewed on an open site and from a distance? There is no guarantee that it will not be vandalised or stolen from The Valley. Is planning permission required for this project?
 
The Valley with its natural beauty, 200 year old “spout”, and St Brigid’s Well is a totally unsuitable location for this man-made artificial piece of artwork, allowing only pedestrians in The Valley, the Market Square or on the bridge to view it.  
 
There are many other sites in Kilcullen which would do justice to this expensive piece, namely, the Market Square, the area beside the Bank, the flower bed at the corner of Logstown, the Library garden or Nicholastown green. Perhaps it could be incorporated into the development of the Convent wall. The most suitable location is the Market Square, adjacent to a modern, landmark building, where it could be viewed from the top of the hill on entering the town.
 
We, in Kilcullen, have tried with limited success, over the last 20 years to develop the Square. This is an ideal opportunity to make it a feature of the town.