Haughey commemorative bust planned for Dingle

A commemorative stone and bust to former taoiseach Charles Haughey is likely to be unveiled on the pier in Dingle town later …

A commemorative stone and bust to former taoiseach Charles Haughey is likely to be unveiled on the pier in Dingle town later this month. The unveiling is expected to take place during the annual Dingle regatta.

Kerry County Council has granted planning permission to The Dingle Fishermen's Association to erect a stone topped with a bronze bust of Mr Haughey on a limestone base. The monument will be 1.8m high and will include a plaque. Work is to begin next week.

The site at the edge of the main pier was chosen "to offer the best viewing opportunity" to the public as well as the least disruption to fishermen and other pier users, according to the fishermen's application.

The monument is being erected with the co-operation of the Dingle Harbour Commissioners, who manage the harbour, as well as the Department of the Marine.

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Mr Haughey, who holidays on his island Inis Mhic Aoibhleáin (Inisvickillane) in the Blasket islands, is a regular visitor to Dingle. Until recently, he started the Dingle regatta each year and is credited with the transformation of the harbour. Two years ago, because of ill health, he was replaced by his eldest son, Conor, a former rower in the regatta.

A member of the Haughey family is expected to unveil the statue at this year's regatta in late August.