Providing access to the Metal Man discussed by Waterford Council
The Metal Man rises out of the summer mist at Tramore. Photo: Joe Evans
This year, the Coastguard Station in Tramore turns 150 years old, whilst the Metal Man celebrates its 200th year.
A motion introduced by Cllr Blaise Hannigan, and supported by Cllr Joe Conway at this month's Metropolitan Council meeting, asked that the council organize a suitable event, in conjunction with stakeholders, to commemorate these significant anniversaries of two celebrated Tramore heritage structures.
The motion was unanimously supported.
Cllr Joe Conway also discussed the potential of providing permanent access to the Metal Man.
“The Metal Man is undoubtedly one of the most unique examples of creative maritime heritage in the country or indeed the world," he said.
“Regrettably, Waterford and Tramore can't showcase this wondrous structure because of accessibility challenges. The historic structures fund will fund projects up to €200,000. I think we should as a council assemble an application to address this. I would suggest something along the lines of building a scaled model on the hill to the beach or another suitable location."
Cllr Donal Barry added: “We’re 40 years talking about gaining access to the Metal Man. It’s a fantastic jewel in the crown that we never got the use of. If it was in any other county it would have been opened to the public long ago.”
Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, responded to the comments, saying that the council are interested in developing access, however it is a complicated project: “We do have an aspiration for developing a walkway along the coast which would bring you to the Metal Man. That is complicated as it’s not an easy route and there is a significant bridge that would be required as part of that."
“It’s one of the projects we would see as being significant in scale. It is something at some point we would like to seek funding for,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cllr Lola O’Sullivan indicated that she was unhappy with the lack of progress over the painting of the Metal Man.
It was something that she requested to be done earlier this year.
“The previous council all nodded, said it was a brilliant idea, and nothing happened," she said.
Mr. Quinn said that the plans to paint the structure are well advanced.
