A governmentally recognised stakeholder with respect to the Navan Fort Armagh has this week called for an update on a public consultation that was concluded by council two years ago.
The Navan Fort & Area Heritage Community Group requested an update on the status of the Gable Wall Artwork Consultation which opened to public input on October 16, 2023 as part of the Armagh City Townscape Heritage Scheme.
The Armagh City Townscape Heritage Scheme was delivered as a National Lottery Heritage Funded Regeneration Programme where £6.3m in funding was secured – consisting of monies from ABC Council, £2m, National Lottery Heritage Fund, £1.92m and the remainder from private property owners – for capital works to approximately 26 properties within Upper English Street, Scotch Street and Barrack Street and the delivery of a five year Education and Activity Programme which ran from 2017 to 2022.
The Gable Wall Artwork consultation – which concluded on October 30, 2023 – sought ideas from the public for potential gable wall art development in Armagh.
However, since its conclusion almost two years ago The Navan Fort & Area Heritage Community Group have said they have not received any updates.
A spokesperson for the community group said of the proposed artwork’s significance: “We understand that Irish mythology, particularly the figure of Macha, was prominently featured in the feedback received.
“A mural of the goddess Macha in Armagh City would hold profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. Armagh, derived from “Ard Macha,” directly honors Macha, reflecting her importance in the region’s heritage. Macha is a prominent figure in Irish mythology, often associated with sovereignty, war, and fertility.
“Additionally, her connection to Emain Macha (Navan Fort), named after Macha’s twins, emphasizes the deep roots of her legacy in the area. Overall, the mural would serve as a multifaceted symbol of identity, history, and community in Armagh City, honouring the enduring legacy of the goddess Macha.
“It is essential that the final design reflects the voices and perspectives of the local community, who took the time to engage in this important process.”
Providing an update to Armagh I Sinn Fein Councillor John Óg O’Kane explained: “There were four artists who put in for the tender and it came down to two.
“Those two artists have been appointed but they haven’t come back with their concepts yet. Nothing has been chosen yet but it is in process.
“We are expecting their concepts to come back just shortly after Easter.”
Lord Mayor, Sarah Duffy, added: “Following a public consultation held in October 2023, which received strong engagement from local residents, I’ve continued to follow the process closely. I fully expect that the final designs will reflect the voices and visions shared by the community, celebrating the spirituality, ancient history and diversity of our City.”
It is believed one of the selected artists is based in England with the other a Belfast native. The awaited designs – of which one will then be selected by council – are intended to adorn the gable wall of 36 Upper English Street where Trimprint is currently in situ.
