Tribute to former MLA as Factory Girls sculpture, at long last, is submitted for planning permission

The erection of the long-awaited Factory Girls sculpture in Derry is a step closer tonight after the local council put the artwork forward for planning permission at its monthly meeting this afternoon.

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.

The decision by Derry City and Strabane District Council to submit for planning has been welcomed by Sinn Fein Cllr Sandra Duffy.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Duffy paid tribute to former Sinn Fein councillor and MLA Maeve McLaughlin (pictured) who was at the forefront of the campaign to get the sculpture in place.

Cllr Duffy said: “I am delighted today to welcome the news in council that the Factory Girls sculpture has finally been submitted to planning.

“This is all down to the hard work and persistence of Maeve McLaughlin.

“This this project has dragged on for over 10 years and even in the days when it looked like all was lost, Maeve kept on working, insisting that the women of Derry who worked their fingers to the bone, who were the very backbone of our families and communities, were properly recognised.”

Cllr Duffy concluded: “Well done, Maeve you are an inspirational woman.”