Metalworkers reveal Molly Malone needs ‘urgent' care after ‘daily abuse' as Dublin City Council call for landmark revamp
A report by expert metalworkers explained how two of the pins that held Molly in place were completely destroyed.
3
Molly Malone's cleavage has lost colour from being groped so many times
Credit: Alamy
3
Dublin City Council carried out an inspection of Molly Malone on Grafton Street
Credit: Getty
This had happened 'from the abuse she [was] receiving on a daily basis' according to records released by
The inspection showed the statue on Grafton Street was now held in place only by two fixing pins underneath the wheels of her cart.
An email said: 'The two fixing pins below her body have come loose or have cracked.
'As a matter of urgency, these pins need to be rewelded or replaced but to do that, the stone facing around the plinth will have to be removed so we can get at the pins.'
Read more in Irish news
The inspection took place after Dublin City Council decided
The statue's ample cleavage was often groped by visitors snapping photographs and had led to noticeable discolouration of the bronze on her chest.
Bushy Park Ironworks, one of the country's leading conservation specialists, were first contacted in January by Dublin City Council.
An email from the council's public
Most read in Irish News
The message said: 'As you are aware, the statue has been subject to damage in its patination several times over the years resulting from repeated touching of the statue.
'We are working on a more long-term solution to the issue, but I feel that it would help the visibility of the statue if the patination of the bronze could be restored on the statue's chest area.'
The ironworks said the metalwork would be relatively straightforward with barriers erected, a thorough cleaning, the restoration of 'the top edge of her dress' and then waxing.
However, they said the bigger concern was the overall stability of the statue.
In follow-up emails, Dublin
An email from the council said: 'We are also considering posting a security guard on the statue during renovation work, so it would be good to know how long the whole process would take.'
In response, the ironworks said the overall project would take between one and two weeks depending on what was found after the granite plinth was removed.
Asked about the project, Dublin City Council said they hoped the revamp of Molly Malone would be completed by the end of May.
However, they would not disclose costs involved saying these had not yet been 'fully established".
3
Dublin City Council have called for a revamp of the iconic landmark
Credit: PA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The 5p hack to keep your fake grass looking new & green & why you should never hoover it
Read on for the most common mistakes PLASTIC PERFECTION The 5p hack to keep your fake grass looking new & green & why you should never hoover it KEEP your fake grass looking lush and green with this 5p hack - and find out why you should never hoover it. The clever trick is simple, cheap, and keeps artificial lawns looking like new without hours of maintenance. Advertisement 2 Keep your fake lawn looking fresh with this cheap and simple cleaning hack Credit: Getty 2 Washing-up liquid mixed with warm water is a quick and easy way to tackle everyday spills and mess Credit: Oliver Dixon Experts warn that vacuuming fake grass can actually damage the fibres and make it look worn out, but with this easy 5p hack, you can refresh your lawn in minutes. Fallen leaves, pet hair, spilled drinks, twigs, dust and dirt can all build up on your fake grass. If left unchecked, this debris can damage the fibres and even encourage moss to grow. While rainwater will wash away most surface grime, it's a good idea to check your artificial grass weekly for loose dirt and debris. Advertisement more on gardens PLAY DAY I filled my garden with outdoor toys from Asda sale, including £3.60 Disney pool A proper deep clean every four weeks will keep your lawn looking fresh, smelling great, and in top shape for years to come. So, how can you clean the grass and get your lawn looking its best again? Washing up liquid Spills on artificial grass are inevitable - whether it's coffee, wine, or even stray paint splatters from giving the fence a fresh coat. The key is to tackle them straight away, before they harden and risk leaving a mark. Advertisement While artificial turf is tough and designed to resist stains, acting fast is the smartest way to keep it looking pristine. 5 ways to get your paddling pool hot in seconds Washing up liquid mixed with warm water is a quick and easy way to tackle everyday spills and mess. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a dash of washing-up liquid, then work the suds into the fibres to lift the stain. Soak the stain directly with a damp cloth or kitchen towel for liquid stains - but do not rub the grass. Advertisement Rinse thoroughly with a hose to wash away both the dirt and the solution. If the spill has dried on, gently loosen it with a toothbrush to avoid damaging the grass. Washing-up liquid can cost as little as 5p per use, making it an extremely budget-friendly way to keep your fake lawn looking fresh. But for stubborn stains or lingering smells, you'll want to bring out a specialist artificial grass cleaner for a deeper refresh. Advertisement Why not hoover? Don't use your everyday vacuum cleaner on artificial grass, as it can damage the fibres and suck up the infill sand that keeps the turf in place. Instead, opt for smooth, sweeping motions with a stiff brush or plastic broom for a safer, more effective clean. If you prefer a powered option, choose a specialist garden vacuum designed specifically for artificial grass. Standard hoovers aren't built for damp surfaces, and exposure to condensation or rainfall could quickly ruin them. Advertisement Common mistakes Never use sharp objects, as they can cut or tear the turf - tackle stuck or dried-on debris with a putty knife or another blunt tool instead. Skip the heat after hosing down your lawn, as artificial grass will dry naturally. Avoid harsh chemicals when removing sticky residue, as they can damage the plastic fibres - opt for a specialist synthetic grass cleaner. Always clean gently without rubbing the grass too hard, as excessive force can cause unnecessary wear and damage. Advertisement A jet washer can clean artificial grass quickly - but it needs to be on a power setting that doesn't damage the lawn. So, test a small patch first, and keep the power nozzle at least a foot away from the artificial turf.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus scroll down for more garden hacks BUZZ OFF The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals EVERYONE has a spring in their step when the sun comes out but warmer weather means more bugs - including wasps. The UK is experiencing a surge in numbers of the yellow and black pests, with the current hot weather creating favourable conditions for the winged stingers to thrive. 1 The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps without using chemicals Credit: Getty Problems with wasps Pest control company Rentokil reported a 618 per cent increase in people requesting assistance with the winged insects compared to last year. But with an estimated 7,000 species in the UK, how can you get them to leave you alone this summer? One disgruntled homeowner had enough of the pests and wrote on social media site Reddit: "Hello! I'm wondering if there is any sure fire way to keep wasps away without the use of chemicals. "I have two little boys who love to play outside and we don't mind the honey bees or bumblebees but the wasps are already an issue this year. "Not really looking to kill but looking more for a good deterrent?" The post received over 173 likes and 140 comments but one specific hack seemed popular among many. The Paper bag hack "I actually hung up a paper lunch bag under an awning where wasps always built nests, and haven't had another wasp nest in 2-3 years," responded one user. "My buddy did this with like a burger King bag and it worked for him to keep them off his front porch," said another. Another added: "Wasps are extremely territorial, they see anything that looks like a nest and move on." While a fourth explained: "Hang a paper lunch bag (white or brown) with wadded up newspaper in it, tie the top and hang under eaves." How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack "Hang up small paper bags wherever you don't want them. They think it's an existing wasp nest and they'll find some other place," suggested another commentator. While another suggested: "I use a sandwich paper bag. Fill it with one or two bunched up plastic shopping bags. "Tie off and hang so it is prominent and visible and slightly moving with air currents! It is like magic. "Many ppl in my HOA do that and it is effective. No chemicals!" Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. More Garden Hacks Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months - more information here. And a mum has revealed how three of her children share one room - and how she makes it work for them. Rebecca, who posts under @rebeccadal9412, shared how she picked up a £9 Ikea buy to separate the room into a section for her daughter, and then her two sons. Plus, it can be pretty annoying if your neighbour has overgrown trees in their garden than hang over yours. But before you start chopping off branches, there are four little-known rules you must follow. And if stubborn weeds keep popping up around your garden and driveway, Home Bargains has just the thing. You can tackle these unwanted plants in seconds using this handy gadget.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm an ex-McDonald's worker – three-word code gets you fresh, piping hot fries every time but staff hate it when you ask
A FORMER McDonald's worker has revealed the secret code word to get fresh fries every time. Jamie Calder worked at the fast food chain for just over a year. 2 Jamie Calder has revealed some insider McDonald's secrets Credit: Jam Press/Jamie Calder 2 Jamie says there's a three-word code that gets you fresh fries Credit: Getty The now 20-year-old, who studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, is now sharing insider knowledge about his time there. The student also shared what is the biggest pet peeve of McDonald's staff. First up, he said customers can add three words to their order that ensures fries are fresh and piping hot. But he admits that staff hate it when you ask because it "ruins the flow". He said: '[My biggest pet peeve is someone] ordering 'no salt fries' just to get fresh ones. '[We'll be] in a rhythm of stacking fries and then have to wipe all the salt off the fry station and fry a new portion just for a customer who is [probably] going to dump two packs of salt on them as soon as you hand them. 'It ruins the flow and slows down the process." From what different sounds mean in the kitchen to why you should ask for special seasoning on your burger, here's what else Jamie says McDonald's fans need to know. 'The seasoning for the burger patties is incredible on nuggets or Chicken Selects,' he said. 'If it's quiet enough not to be an annoying request, I would highly recommend [asking for it]. Terrifying moment brawl erupts in McDonald's as raging customer LEAPS over counter and throws punches at worker 'And if you order on the app to collect, you can usually save some time as they'll start preparing your order before you get to the restaurant (as long as you check in when nearby)." He continues: 'The infamous McDonald's beeping comes from just about every machine in the kitchen. 'Certain beeps tell you when you get an order, when fries are halfway cooked or fully cooked, for the grills, fryers, drive-through, etc - everything beeps and it's a nightmare.' The fast food worker also lifted the lid on the customers who cause the biggest problems - and it's not people being picky about their burger toppings. He said: 'The worst 'customers' are the school-age kids who cause havoc in the dining area. 'Spraying water guns at customers and tossing tubs of sauce everywhere. 'The worst [experience I've had] was when someone blocked the bathroom sink with a plastic bag and flooded the bathroom.'
