An artist’s impression of the proposed Factory Girls artwork.
Tenders are to be sought for the much-delayed sculpture in Derry in recognition of the contribution made by the city’s female shirt factory workers.
The news has been welcomed by local Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin who said she hoped the project could now “proceed as speedily as possible
The sculpture was initially proposed for King Street roundabout in the Waterside and was designed for the site.
However, the plans were then changed to relocate the sculpture on the citywide close to the Foyle Expressway.
In May last, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland announced £40,000 funding was to be for it to be redesigned for its new site at Harbour Square next to the city’s Guidhall.
Ms McLaughlin said the sculpture would be a “fitting tribute” to all those women in Derry who worked in the shirt factories in “very harsh conditions and for little pay.”
She added: “Women were the backbone of the economy in Derry at a time when there were no jobs for local men and there was great poverty in our city.
“We need to pay tribute to their contribution and to the life and history of Derry.”
Ms McLaughlin concluded: “Last week’s unveiling of a new mural on the Lecky Road is all part of the retaining and maintaining the very important role that women had in making the history of Derry and make sure it is remembered for future generations.”
