At up to 60 metres, a proposed moving digital statue would rise as tall as Liberty Hall and could convert George's Dock into a paid visitor attraction. Backed by entrepreneur Paddy Dunning, the plan includes ticketed access, commercial displays and space for community arts. Dublin City Council funded part of a feasibility study and says the project links to its digital transformation aims for 2030. Supporters say it could draw tourists and revenue; critics say it risks using scarce public space mainly for visitors.

The proposal

Paddy Dunning wants to install a human-shaped figure on the George's Dock waterfront. The statue would be able to show digital images across its surface. Designs in the feasibility assessment put the height between 30 metres and 60 metres. At the top end, the Giant would match the height of nearby Liberty Hall.

The proposal calls for paid entry. The feasibility study estimates a ticket price of about €25. Visitors could have their likeness shown on the figure. The study also sets out commercial uses, including advertising and brand projects.

Dunning told viewers the aim is to "give back to the city". He said Dublin needs "something mega" after four decades working in the city centre. He framed the project as both a landmark and a revenue generator.

Site history and other plans

George's Dock is largely unused at present. It has been discussed for years as a possible location for public amenities.

Previous ideas for the site included an outdoor swimming pool, a white-water facility and sports pitches.

The Giant Company commissioned an independent feasibility assessment. Dublin City Council confirmed it contributed to the cost of that study. The council didn't disclose how much it paid.

The city is already pursuing a digital transformation strategy that runs to 2030. That plan aims to make Dublin "a truly digital city". The Dublin City Taskforce report mentioned in the council's response urged creating "compelling reasons" for people to visit the capital.

Local politics and public space

The proposal has split opinion among elected representatives. Councillor Feljin Jose of the Green Party said he opposes the plan. He argued the Giant seems aimed almost entirely at tourists. He said Dublin Central still lacks quality amenities for residents and that the council should guard one of the last bits of central public space.

Mastheads

Dunning responded by outlining ancillary elements he wants beside the statue. He said the project would include a hub, a small indoor immersive space, a venue and rehearsal studios. He said those facilities would be accessible to the local and inner city arts community.

"The thing will have to be workable," Dunning said. "It can't be a drain on the services." He added the project must pay for itself.

Economic case and revenue model

The developer's pitch rests on a mix of ticket income, commercial partnerships and advertising. Selling access, offering bespoke projection experiences and hosting paid commercial projects are central to the feasibility plan. That model is designed to limit demands on public funding.

Council support for the feasibility study signals official interest in assessing the numbers. The council linked the idea to its 2030 digital aims and the Taskforce's call for attractions that draw visitors. Those references give the proposal a policy context beyond a single private plan.

At the same time, charging for a waterfront public space changes how the area is used. A ticketed attraction would replace proposals for open sports or leisure amenities. That trade-off is at the heart of the debate between commercial viability and public access.

A structure of that scale will face multiple planning tests. Height and visual impact will be central questions for planners and councillors. The Giant would stand at a scale similar to existing high-rise streetscape elements, which will shape debates over sightlines and heritage settings.

Environmental and traffic impacts will be part of the planning process. A site in the docklands requires careful assessment of pedestrian flows, safety, staging for large installations and the potential for night-time lighting. The feasibility study will need to address all of those factors before any application is lodged.

Proponents say a high-profile visual landmark could give Dublin a signature attraction. The project is pitched as something that could attract day-trippers and international visitors. That claim ties to the taskforce call for reasons to visit Dublin and the city's effort to boost its digital offer.

Opponents say attracting tourists isn't the same as meeting local needs. Councillor Jose warned the council should prioritise world-class amenities for residents in one of the city's last central public spaces. The debate frames two competing views of urban renewal: commercial landmark versus everyday public amenity.

Concrete cost figures for construction and operation were not published with the feasibility summary. The council has declined to say how much it paid towards the assessment. That leaves questions about upfront funding, ongoing operating costs and who would bear construction risk.

Dunning said the project must be financially workable and not a burden on city services. His plan to include revenue-generating elements is meant to meet that test. If the numbers in the feasibility study stack up, private investment and commercial contracts would be the likeliest funding route.

Related Articles

Paddy Dunning said, "the thing will have to be workable. It can't be a drain on the services."

This article was created with AI assistance.