By Alan Healy
There are plans for a new Maurice Harron peace sculpture to be erected at Ebrington Square, the Derry News can reveal today.
The sculpture, known as the Peace Pledge Tree, was created as part of a project launched by the late deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness (pictured), in June of last year.
The ‘Amazing the Space’ initiative was announced at Ebrington, after being developed over three years by Dr. David Latimer from Derry First Presbyterian Church, which also involved a steering group of young people from over 400 schools across the north.
The Executive Office provided £189,000 funding for the initiative, which is being led by Co-Operation Ireland.
The initiative is aimed at young people involved in peace-building and is closely aligned with the Executive’s ‘Together: Building a United Community’ strategy.
An ‘Amazing the Space’ event was held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre at former site of the Maze prison in September of 2016, where 5,000 young people took part in the largest youth-led peace event ever held in Northern Ireland.
The centre piece of the event was pupils attaching ‘peace pledges’ which were attached to a specially designed Peace Pledge Tree.
The 4.5 metre (15ft) stainless steel sculpture was designed and made by Derry born artist Maurice Harron.
The Derry News has now learned that a permanent home is now being sought for the sculpture, with Ebrington Square now being explored as a possible site for work.
Permanent
Speaking to the Derry News, Reverend Latimer outlined the origin of the initiative and his hopes for the sculpture to now take up residence at the site where the initiative was first unveiled.
“Over a three-year period I visited 409 schools across the nine counties of Ulster resulting in their agreement to participate in a youth led peace building initiative, now entitled Amazing The Space.
“409 schools have written Peace Pledges, which powerfully articulate what young people consider we all must do if we are to live better together.
“The Tree incorporates 409 large oak leaves each embossed with a school peace pledge.
“I believe It is time to listen to our young who are shimmering with fresh perspectives, new ideas and positive energy.”
He added: “I'm anxious to have the Tree permanently displayed in Derry/Londonderry as this is where the initiative to give young people a role in peace building began.”
The Derry News contacted The Executive Office (TEO), which is now responsible for the redevelopment of the 26 acre Ebrington site following the closure of Ilex Development Corporation Limited.
A spokesperson for The Executive Office confirmed that it is currently looking at a ‘number of options’
“A sculpture was created as part of the Amazing the Space initiative, a scheme supported by Together: Building a United Community, the Executive’s good relations strategy,” the spokesperson said.
“The Executive Office is exploring a number of options for its location. Any proposal would be subject to the appropriate approvals.”
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