The Spire of Dublin City had it's first piece installed on 18-12-2. The first part of what will be a massive errection was dropped into place just before 10am. One of the biggest mobile cranes in Europe was used to install it. The crane (not the yellow one) has been parked in O Connell Street since November and only it's massive wheels have saved it from numerous
attempts to clamp it. It has been named 'the spike' for now by Dubliners, but that is expected to change for a phrase that rhymes when it is completed in early 2003.
Located at the junction of O Connell Street with Henry Street, and North Earl Street it is on the site of Nelsons Pillar which was blown up by the IRA in the sixties. When complete it will be visable from Wales and Kerry. It is rumored it was paid for with the funds confiscated by the State from Dublin heroin dealer Tony Felloni, who plagued the North inner city with his trade. This is where the needle design was inspired. The irony has not been lost on Dubliners.
A pirate radio station in Dublin has put up a prize of a million pounds (e1,269,738) to the first person to ring a bicycle tyre over the structure when it is complete. Youth's across the country have been practicing on mere lamp posts by way of training.
Dublin hospitals are gearing up for a lot of neck strain injuries in the coming weeks as Dubliners look to the skies.
The Spike is lifted past the GPO
The second part of the Spire was hoisted into positon on 23rd December at 11am. Work has now stopped for Christmas.
Work restarted on site after a more than generous holiday (They could be TD's) on 15th January 2003. The 3rd piece was lowered into position at 3am during the dead of night. The remaining parts are on site and are ready for instilation.
The final pieces of the Spike were added on January 20/21. Two pieces were hoisted into position during the night. A large crowd gathered in O Connell Street to watch the final piece erected. The Easons clock chimed a midday tone as the crane started the lift. The whole process once started didn't take long and when the workman inside 'James Duncan' grabbed the last piece a huge roar came from the crowd. He guided the piece in over his head and as he disappeared inside the Spire of Dublin City was complete.
Week ending 5/7/3.