‘Let’s see Factory Girls sculpture in 2016’: McLaughlin

Derry City and Strabane Council has been called on to submit a planning application for the Factory Girls sculpture. The call comes from Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Maeve McLaughlin who said was “hard to believe” the process was now over 10 years old.

She added: “There have been sufficient discussion and obstacles that in my view have been overcome. “I find it unacceptable that this process to remember the role that Derry women played in our city has taken this time. It’s dragged on for far too long so we need to move this to the next stage.” Ms McLaughlin concluded: “Let’s make 2016 the year when we see this legacy to an important piece of our citys history clearly marked in front of the Guildhall.”

Artist Louise Walsh started work on the sculpture in 2006.

It had been originally planned the piece would be located at King Street in the Waterside.

However, due to planning problems, the location was then changed to Harbour Square next to the Guildhall on the cityside.

Above is an artist's impression of the sculpture at Harbour Square.