Wednesday, February 09, 2011

OFF THE WALL - STOP THIS MURAL FROM BEING DESTROYED!!!!!!


My name is Mick Minogue and I am here to recruit you. I need your help, after you read this I hope you will take action prevent bullshit authority ruining the art world yet again. If I can convince even a few people to actually help me It might work so please read and do take action by writing a letter or sending an email.  


In January of 2010 an artist by the name of DANLEO and myself were commissioned to paint the entire front of the well know and loved Turf and Surf Hostel in Bundoran, Co.Donegal. It for us was a huge commission and a tough one  as we had to map the piece out by hand on roofers scaffold and do it in cold unpredictable January weather. We had the to paint the mural twice, the first time we nearly had it completed and a massive rain storm came in and washed it away on us so we had to paint over the mess and start from scratch again a few weeks later. Heart breaking. 
Since we painted the mural it has become a tourist attraction and has been in the Donegal press and on the BBC. It has gotten loads of positive feedback and the neighbours on the row all love it and have supported it but sadly and typically not the county council of Donegal. They have ignored all the positivity and great life the mural has brought to the area and put there authoritarian boots on and just walked all over the beautiful couple Mary and Killian who own and run the hostel and Surf School.
The council have issued them with a court summons  ordering that the mural be painted over to a natural colour by March 1st. There has been a huge struggle to stop this from happening and it has all failed so far so I am hoping to get the support from YOU to shed light on this for us in hope that the Council will over turn their decision. To add insult to injury the couple who own the hostel and who took a chance of doing something different and new are now being fined by the county council as well as being brought to court and having to pay the costs of getting all the repainting done, which is appalling and lower than low.  
In the light of the elections coming up i feel that we haven't a hope a getting this issue dealt with let alone getting resolved as all the TD's and Politicians are more interested in building their Noah's arch for us mere animals. The TD's and Politicians seem to love us when they want to get down with the " cool kids" and when its highlighting some good for them "graffiti" becomes cool but when we need their help we get ignored.
 This is not only about a painting being destroyed for no good reason but it is about the waste of job opportunities. This was two hostel owners who employed two young artists and paid them well to do a good job, this is our full time employment and we survive on this. We are not graffiti artists, just artists, illustrators and it is not like we vandalised a street shop front in the dead of night. We do large paid commissions to encourage a good vibe and in this backwards country run by "back in my day when we had to walk to school with no shoes" fools we are dying slowly. 

Where are all those politicians now or those TD's who offer so much wisdom and advice and tell us they are going to fix things. Eating the same shit out of the same trough and then spitting it in our faces with full mouths! We are being audibly and visually force fed their hypocritical nonsense everyday without one of them showing results or even flash cards of what results look like. The thing that kills me Is that these men and women who are hailing themselves as God like figures who will save our impoverished souls are the most unimaginative people you could ever come across. The greatest people in history who made real change were those who had ideas that sounded undo-able but used their power and money to have it made. Our government both now and the next are so inbred they seem to have lost all human senses. They haven't even got the sense to look over other countries shoulders and copy their examples which they get A+ in how shit should be done. My ranting point is that when we are all caught in small country and it is being quickly filled up with the ego flatulence of the people trying to run it the first ones to die in the stink is us, the little insignificant artist. Why have a mural on a wall when you can have a plain wall that is in-keeping with the rest. Look at Philadelphia, when I was there I was nearly brought to tears by the community murals art. Every corner you turn there was art on the walls that you wouldn't see on the wall of a museum. All made by communities of people of every colour and background, brought together by art. It generated  jobs, money, support, good feeling, positivity and a sense of pride. Why it kills me is It could be done here, but whereas there when they have a derelict building or a gable end of a wall and it is allowed be painted, here it's seen as graffiti, vandalism or an IRA up the Ra type thing! Look at this link and see how a mural can bring a lot more together. LINK! 

gmail.com and even better if this has encouraged you or made a spark well send it to someone else ask them to send it on, Facebook it, Tweet it just get it rolling. If everyone who reads this posts it somewhere else well that's the start so be apart of it.

All we hear is of how we need change and change will fix this country but just like the politicians we are all talk so I am asking everyone to help us on this.  

For me it has started with this hostel, for this to be painted over because of something that can be overturned or even ignored. If so many people are in favour of it why does one or two men in a County Council have the right to inflict their authority upon us. 
Some of the worlds greatest surfers like Kelly Slater have stayed at the Turf and Surf and it is an embarrassment for it to be allowed happen. 
I have attached pictures of the mural and would love if you could put them on your blog to show everyone what we are fighting for.We have less than a month to try prevent the mural from being painted over so the support from you.

Remember it will be painted over on MARCH 1st so we only have a few weeks. 
  
Email the Donegal County Council at this address info@donegalcoco.ie    or check them out here for contact details www.donegalcoco.ie/council/



Please spread the word, 

Hoping to hear back from you,

Mick 

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope you succeed in yer battle with the ignorant population, beautiful piece of work!

Eadaoin said...

Holy Shit Mick, nearly cried!!! the baaaaastards!!! oh my god wtf!!! am sending email as I write this one!!! Best of Luck!!! Eadaoin..

Anonymous said...

pretty ridiculous if this gets removed...in times of struggle you would think something that brings a smile to a face or even sparks curiosity and conversation would be allowed to enter and stay in this world. Best of luck to your endeavors all the was from the USA...worst comes to worst you can paint my house whatever you want!!

Redmonk said...

Disgraceful behaviour from the Council. Out of touch is a phrase that springs to mind.

Will spread the word Mick!

k

Anonymous said...

I sent an e-mail to the county council there, I really hope they reconsider. Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

did the owners of the hostel not need planning permission to paint their building a different colour? and is that not why the co co are fining them and asking them to paint over your mural? if that's the case then i'm afraid the co co are more than within their rights to bo doing what they're doing. m'only sayin'.

Anonymous said...

Email sent to the CoCo. Good luck!

Mark said...

Pure madness from Donegal Coco Mick, emailing now and tweeting!

L Mc Cormick said...

Delicately brushed the plain made fair,
Like curls and ribbons in untrained hair,

The spark of life that shows we care,
The touch of love so kind so rare,

But now whose hand will beauty spoil?,
And whose devotion will evil foil?,

Take heart Minogue! and guard your brush,
Till evils beat and spoilers husded.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mick,

My names peter ganley im the producer on italk on i102-104fm. we'd love to bring you on the show to tell us about the situation.

give me a shout on peterganley AT iradio.ie

cheers dude

Mick Minogue said...

Thanks to everyone for mailing them, to the comment about the planning permission and the councils rights your spot on. I am guessing they are and also I imagine the building is listed but the issue is that we painted it twice, they knew what we were doing both times we even had the attention of the local Gardai, they could have intervened and put it right then but instead they wait months and send a court summons from behind a desk without even acting in anyway human about it. That hostel has done wonders for the area and thats how they show their thanks! They can stick their planning permission and old rules up their...wanna fix this country, start at the bottom and work up get rid of the little council made laws and be open to change.

Unknown said...

As an Artist I love what you have done. The role of the arts in local community is to bring it together. Here we have a dictatorship telling the community what they are going to do. Do they wear uniforms in that council and have little red books.
I believe the power to vote nneds to be used against every sitting TD and council member. We want change before this gets out of hand

Anonymous said...

Does this sort of grey approach to planning achieve anything aside from ensuring that we all lead our lives in a built environment that is bleak, restricted, and devoid of beauty and creativity?
I don't know you but what you have written is moving. People like you and the hostel owners make our towns and cities better places to live. I am going to post this story where others will hopefully support you.
Best of luck. I think you will need it against those anonymous suits.
Dave McCarthy, Cork.

mcmonkeys1 said...

You should paint an natural red, white and black nazi symbol over it. Seriously though, good luck with your struggle.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree with you Mick, have sent an email. Niall

Ivana said...

Hope you'll succeed in this thing Mick, you've done a great job. Support for Macedonia, I'm sharing this!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you wasted your time mick.

But you were quite stupid to carry out this work without planning permission.
Retention permission is the only option now. This is nothing to do with the council, its a national law

Maria said...

Best of luck Mick! The mural looks great, mailing & tweeting now. Is there a way of appealing directly to the Donegal CoCo? I guess ye've done that already?

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike,

this is an incredibly short-sighted move on the part of the council. It might be useful emailing the Heritage Officer of Donegal Co.Co. directly. His name is Joesph Gallagher (heritage@donegalcoco.ie). It would be the best tactic to get someone on side in local government.

belgravy said...

if it does get painted over, get a good hi-res picture of it and project the image onto the front of the hostel, it might be a bit faded during the day, but at night, it will be seen from far away!!

Anonymous said...

I sent an email to the council.. let's hope they reconsider. They are being so BORING!!
-Áine, enniskillen

Unknown said...

Take the fight to the pricks. The City Council in Waterford commission artists, myself included, to do work like this around the city. My guess is its only one or two people in power that have a problem with your piece.

Anonymous said...

Sent an e-mail there. I hope this helps! Best of luck.
Roisin

Mick Minogue said...

Thanks so much everyone, keep the emails coming!!! the support is great, I only put this out there last night and already its going great!!!

geoff dolan said...

E-mailed the savages. May the Fangs of Karma devour the PIG that is drunk on power. Victory to you
Best Wishes
geoff dolan

Anonymous said...

AAAASSSSHOLES!!!!I shall send them an email Mick.... without artists our world would be black and white...they are expressing Divine enegry!! Trish in Kilkenny

geoff dolan said...

Seriously, this is driving me up that fucking wall sooooo....

RANG Donegal county council. The girl at the desk was very helpful. She told me that it is one Mr. Killian Smith (don't know if I got the spelling right, but wgaf?)

He'll be taking phone calls from the public tomorrow morning from 10am I think. Phone him on 074 9724400. That's the direct line to Donegal county council, ask for him by name at the planning section.

geoff dolan said...

OH, AND E-MAIL

donegalplanning@donegalcoco.ie

GIVE EM HELL

Anonymous said...

If the county council needs to ban something it should be the use of the color magnolia on Irish walls!!!!
Good luck in your struggle! Hope you are victorious! Veronika, Galway

Anonymous said...

I sent my email off. This makes me sick. No wonder everyone leaves.

Mick Minogue said...

Geoff, thanks man, I have been so busy that is great man. I will do that in the morning. Sound man serious pro action right there!!! Legend!

Niallums said...

This is just depressing... I didn't already think much of Ireland's attitude to art. Now I think less.

Did they give any reason why? If all the legal things are in order, it doesn't seem rational for a councillor to take a sudden dislike.

Maybe the neighbouring hostels are jealous at all the attention and business this colourful little house is attracting?

ggnell said...

Email sent, Shared on Facebook. what the hell is wrong with these people???
Beautiful piece. I'm in love with the purpley bit on the ground floor. Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Emails sent to all emails mentioned on here. I cant belive they have made such a stupid decission the mural is a pleasent attraction. It the old 80's style amsument fronts that need to be addresed they are an eyesore. Best of luck with it.

Unknown said...

LONG EMAIL SENT!!! Disgusted Mick. ALl the best Dude...Much Love...PEACE Jimmy Trigger :)

Unknown said...

People of the greater Bundoran area... and beyond.
... never forget that bureaucrats only serve themselves. They have to keep themselves in jobs. By coming up with hair-brained distractions such as this they believe that they are they are providing a public service...
With every email posted in response to this nonsense I hope you can add a local defect in the roads, street lighting, waste disposal, education or heath care resource to name a few examples, take a picture if you can to help this bunch of jobsworths realise that the people of Donegal expect them to get their priorities right - and hopefully they will see there are plenty of real priority issues to busy themselves with...
.... and that you recognise that the action being brought against a Tourist facility in light of its paint job is a nonce and waste of time and tax payers money...
God bless and ta ta. Dave McGrath

Kevnmur said...

Just them a mail Mick. Best of luck keeping the mural.

Brendan Tobin said...

What a mental situation. Total display of ignorance on the Donegal Co Co's part. Just sent an email. Good luck with it, hope ye succeed.

Derry said...

I worked with Theon above on the work that Waterford City Council commissioned and this type of backwards thinking is sickening.

I've emailed the council, told them about public feedback from our work etc.

Have you considered a petition? I'm sure everyone that's posted here would help get plenty of signatures.

Fingers (and toes) crossed for you, Danleo and the Turf and Surf

Róisín said...

Ah!!! Your post has made me so mad! I was already pretty mad with them bloody pen pushers even before I stumbled across this (it really was one of those days) and now I'm seething. What the hell is wrong with this country? Seriously, I think they're determined to suck out every last drop of charm and beauty out of the place till we have something that would make the old Soviet states postitively vibrant. Oh, and have you gone to the media about this yet? I'm from up north in the county but I can pass you on some contacts if you want. Right now I'm off to share this post on FB - I know plenty of people who'll be as mad as everyone here!

George Lakner said...

In my eMail is only this: Let it be = it's art!

Anonymous said...

Remove it, its an eyesore to the town. Sent a mail to the co. co backing them all the way.

Damien DeBarra said...

Mail sent Mick. We've also placed a link on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/blathernet

Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

hope u get to keep this beautiful work of art
I hate it when people do not appreciate good art -.-

SOR said...

Just tell them Banksy did it.


Guys, if you have to paint it over please pick the more fluorescent, glow in the dark, I can see your house from here, '57 Chevy colour you can find.

Bloody red tape. Has this country ruined

Anonymous said...

Sent the following mail to planning@donegalcoco.ie and info@donegaldirect.ie (Donegal Tourism)

As somebody who makes a point of taking his summer holiday in Ireland and regularly stays in Donegal, I would like to point out to enforcing the letter of the law on this planning issue is not likely to encourage me to return to Donegal in the near future. Over the years, I have spend hundreds if not thousands of euro on accommodation, food and scuba diving services in various parts of Donegal and North Sligo, but I think I shall be taking my business elsewhere for a while if you consider it worthwhile continuing in this act of cultural vandalism.

Ncazaux said...

I just sent an email to the council. I hope they'll change their mind.

Anonymous said...

If you dont eat yer meat, you cant have any pudding! You cant have any pudding, if you dont eat yer meat! (Pink Floyd, The Wall)

The main problem with this is: MONEY. If it generated money for the bast..., I mean council, you would have been told to apply for retention permission instead and they would probably rubber-stamp it.

The council probably would not have acted unless complained to by some member of the public. Once that happens then they MUST follow planning laws and procedures. They would have no choice even if they agree with ye.

In discussions with them, if they allow planning retention to be applied for, then that will be your way to retain it in the local community interest. Unfortunately, if there are planning restrictions due to it being a listed building, then ye might be fighting a losing battle.

tomm said...

oh bloody hell how depressing and unsurprising

Murney said...

I'm half Philadelphian and I know the mural project well! 1% of the budget of any building in Philadelphia must go towards public art. When building multi-million dollar buildings this results in some fantastic sculptures etc which are open to view. The city itself is gradually becoming a free museum! I have emailed the county council, and equated their move to book-burning. How embarrassing for Donegal!

Anonymous said...

Yo,

Tis a damn shame Mick. I've emailed them and posted it on facebook and a lot of people I know have responded. All the best in getting to keep it.

Friz

theWarmFront said...

The Warm Front...
You've got my support,TurfNsurf is one of many leading businesses that have shown that it is possible to start maintain & set an example of how sound ideas and hard work do pay off.Some negative comments as understanable as they are will only fall on deaf ears rather than slate the Council perhaps there could be a draft made to show the Council in their language of how much business and tourism the hostel has generated over the last few years and compare the hostel's success to other local non profitable or non succesful council intitiatives.I've been traveling to Bundoran for years and stayed with Killian K & Co and the mural has contributed more than the Feckin slot machines, to encouraging surfers & non surfers far and wide to visit Beautiful Bundoran.If this does'nt work, i'll be the one standing outside with my placard,"Down with that sort of thing"

Liam Sinnott said...

First Clare Co Council try to destroy one of Ireland's best waves in Crab Island and now this ??? Do these idiots know what's going on in the country!

Hard working people trying to run a business in a country that Tourism's reputation has been ruined by corrupt Bankers and politics and now councils pulling these stunts in a year when the Surfing European Championships are coming to Bundoran???

This just doesn't make any sense!!!

just sent this email to council. Best of luck Mick.

Unknown said...

local busy bodies - leave well enough alone - looks great

mr steve mccarthy said...

e-mail sent!

Anonymous said...

This is a tragedy. Typical incompetent and self-absorbed politicians just ripping the heart out of all that's good. Email has been sent, it's a tough battle but best of luck & Let's pray they won't rip the last bit of colour & vibrancy out of an already mundane & lifeless line of buildings. Also for anyone interested I urge you to go witness the amazing murals painted on and around the donegal adventure centre which is just a stonethrow away! It represents what we shud see on every streetcorner on the Irish coast if our councils had any real interest in the heart of their towns.

All the best!

James Garvey said...

Hy got wind of this through facebook. i don't really know anyone involved personally, but it's very obvious this mural is of benefit to the community, and local culture.

shared, linked, email written.

Denis said...

Hey,

I just read the comments and you admit the building is listed. So for the council to have made a move one of the neighbours must have objected.

You've got to be a real deadbeat to paint a huge ass advertisement on a listed building without seeking permission first - and yet in a classic bit of Lebowskiesque logic you argue that it is the 'square community' who are the downfall of this country. Do you even know what day it is I wonder?

I won't be sending an email on your behalf; but I do wish you luck in getting a retention order. You'll need it.

D,

Anonymous said...

It is a shocking disgrace to obliterate a mural that has such instrinsic cultural & community value. Have e-mailed County Council to tell them so. Really hope the campaign is successful
All the best

Unknown said...

well im in ozzzyland down under but used to live in galwaay for years...im surprised no one else has put you into the line of tackling the court with their own hidden laws...there are 2 types of law see...the law of the land and the law of the sea...public and private law..all letters addressed to someone going to court will have their name in capital letters. This is you as a corporation and you do not have to comply if you know how. This applys to so much more than your current predicament. It applys to parking offences, bills, mortgages and goes far deeper. We can effect BIG CHANGE in the world if we are informed educated and brave enuf to give it a go. I wud like to think the council will listen to all the letters but chances are, someone is liening their pockets with their stupidty and selfish control drama. Please check out this link and there is far more info on the net about exactly how to word it in court, so the whole thing is thrown out you win and many people become informed on how to stop the governments all over the world treating us like livestock..or deadstock..or just stock...or strawmen....best of luck and may freedom prevail and sovereignty to all be restored in our own lives
namaste bro
sami mae shaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dWO1JAkoS0

if it doesnt work goto you tube and look up two laws jordan maxwell or meet your strawman or a day in court public or private or UCC strawman...or dario busch..get informed and share on...we shall overcome..

Anonymous said...

Best of luck beating this, it would be a crying shame to lose such a splash of colour!

Anonymous said...

sending a protest to the silly beggers....

Mick Minogue said...

Denis,

Hey,

How are you,

You seem a little tense,

Everything ok?

What is it you think we were advertising? Killer Octopus??? It was a job we were employed to do we didn't ask about the legalities but I am happy to have started a debate and brought the issues into the light, thats what deadbeats do right? Do I even know what day it is????? I haven't a clue...But only delighted to have given you a reason to use the term "Lebowskiesque"! Thats classic!!!

Anonymous said...

Its people doing what the are told to do that has the country ruined. Nothing more-Nothing less. Call their bluff, dont think a judge is gonna hand out a jail sentence for painting a wall.That would make worldwide news.Now that aint gonna happen. Make sure to have the face paint on in court too :) Don't let em stop you smiling or they have won:)
Yours
T.F.

Liz Clonan said...

I just sent a very well-worded email, noting my dismay at the fact that my hard earned social contributions are going towards acts like this, which I can only assume are out of sheer boredom on their part. Oh, and the fact that they let it go ahead without raising any objections or obtaining an injunction. I used the closing line "You suck ass". Let's hope they reconsider. Twats!!!

Fat Fanny said...

Oh Catholic Ireland
Dress up your Cathedrals,
Dress up your Popes
But God forbid
Don't dress up your hopes

The lingering sadists,
Meaning so well,
Have a ruined a country
That should not be in hell

Rise up from the depths
Our children must rise
Before all their dreams
Are hidden in disguise

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BATTLE
FROM
HELEN IN NEW YORK CITY

Simon PR said...

Mick,
Even if the building is listed or you're in a Conversation Area you still get permission for this sort of thing. You may be able to reply retrospectively. The Council have to issue an Enforcement Notice for approved work. Check you planning status and get the ball rolling ASAP.

You also need to try and make it a local election issue.

Best of luck,

Simon.

Anonymous said...

Mick talk to the CoCo arts officer. & see is there anything that can be done through the arts office?

sean said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sean said...

I emailed this to the Donegal County Council. I wonder if they'll listen.


To whom it may concern,

I am planning a trip to Ireland in the spring. I plan to visit historical sites and do as much surfing as possible. Ireland's surfing scene is becoming quite legendary. I'm told it's uniquely Irish, much like the surf scene I experience here in Japan is uniquely Japanese.

I read the story about the Bundoran, Donegal Turf and Surf Hostel and its mural. I have also read that the business' owners are under pressure from Donegal County officials to change the mural to something "more natural".

I have a minor in City Planning from the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, B.C. Having lived in a number of cities in North America, Europe and Asia in my life, I have always thought that "natural" is a feeling brought about by the actions of community members, the way they act, the way they decorate their neighborhood. It doesn't come from top-down authoritative action. I've read that the mural has the support of its community, and in my opinion, it's not up to you people to decide what a neighborhood looks like. It's up to its residents. Furthermore, it's up to city governments to let neighborhoods develop naturally, on their own, and not try to impose some false image that doesn't represent its constituency.

Character makes a place interesting, and a place like the Donegal Turf and Surf Hostel becomes, for me, an interesting reason to visit the place, not an awkward oddity or eyesore.

Therefore, I feel I must promise you one thing - if the hostel is forced to change its mural, my trip to Ireland will skip over Donegal completely. Not one of my hard-earned dollars will be spent within your county.

Anonymous said...

Jesus! Don't DCC realize the lucrative potential in marketing Donegal as a surfer's heaven? At a time when tourism is way down and the economy is depressed, I would've thought you'd want to focus on your assets and maxise them!!! Duh!

Mick Minogue said...

Simon PR,

Thanks man I hear ya on that, I know that both owners have been working that side of it. There are so many underlining issues one being that there was never permission granted from the start and sure we got our selves to blame but since it has won the love and support and people want it to stay now we are hoping our appeal through the planning office and council will be awarded. All we can do Is try and speak up a bit! Thanks for getting in touch!

Anonymous said...

An absolute disgrace sent email

Hope they come to there senses

Best of luck

Jim C

Dan Ring said...

Very bad indeed, this mural marks the beginning of our surf holidays there. It shows what the council thinks of the surf tourist micro industry.

Email sent, good luck!

Anonymous said...

The exact opposite situation is occurring in Tallahassee, Florida in the U.S. The city is revitalizing a section of town and has commissioned a mural on the side of a local business. There is already a building nearby known for it's wall-sized attractive privately created artwork. It is all part of what they are calling the Gaines Street Revitalization.

Revitalization project link below:
http://www.talgov.com/gaines/index.cfm

Mural info:
http://www.talgov.com/communications/newsdetail.cfm?id=2794

Anonymous said...

Get a bunch of painters are and artists together. Get the permission of everyone that live on that street since they seem to support it. Paint a huge street-long mural on every house.

Anonymous said...

I am an artist in the US and don't have much knowledge of councils and such but in the US it is illegal for anyone to paint over murals (that are done with the consent of the building owner/renter/lessor) without the consent of the artist. Hope you guys prevail good luck!

Anonymous said...

I wish you luck in your fight agains the fight with old wheezing politicians. There should be a law that guarantees all politicians to be sent to Chinese labour camps as soon as they try to enforce their 60s standards on the young and "too free" population. They should all die. I will send them an email from Canada.

Anonymous said...

That mural cannot be destroyed! Just sent an email there..goodLuck.
Angry Anonymous Artist!!

Heaven Sent Massage said...

I've petitioned them. As if they don't have 'real' work to be getting on with. Thank god there are still talented young people left in this sorry State. They should be celebrating that fact.

Lauren G said...

email just sent. best of luck Mick!
L.

Ian said...

Leave the mural alone! Best of luck with your struggle. It is desperately sad that common sense and compassion sometimes go out the window in the face of ridiculous 'laws.'

Anonymous said...

That house is a protected structure and does not blend in with the other beautiful houses either side of it.....EYESORE.

The art work (although impressive) is aimed at attracting surfers not the people who come visit our town and actually spend money!

JamesR said...

You could probably raise a moral rights defense as to the mural, it is your intellectual property. As a poster above has said this is well established principle of Law in the US il do some homework tomorrow and see if such is the case in Ireland.

Politicians are going to be on the frontline in the coming weeks before the election. perhaps get some free tickets and raise the issue when the inevitable topic of getting graduates and the unemployed working arises

hilary said...

This is a very positive addition to the beautiful houses in Bundoran. It would be a great shame if it would be removed. please don't make this mistake.

NASTE MAGAZINE said...

This is a disgrace.
Email sent has been sent, ou should send this to irishstreetart.com

Goodluck.

Mariclare said...

Email sent. My family were amazed by the mural when we visited Bundoran last July. Good luck to Killian and Mary in the battle to keep it! Cheers

Mariclare said...

PS to Anonymous who posted this: "The art work (although impressive) is aimed at attracting surfers not the people who come visit our town and actually spend money!"

- My family chooses to travel to Bundoran and spend money there specifically BECAUSE of the surf! We have surfed with Turf & Surf 2 years running and will be back this June. But could just as easily choose to head to Sligo or to Kerry and surf there instead if Donegal County Council insist on destroying this mural. ;)

Susan said...

Email sent. Good luck with this, Mick!
Susan
Atlanta, GA
USA

Clint.Derry. (Tullaghan) said...

I live 10mins from this hostel (Tukllaghan)and pass it 3/5 times a day, ive no problem with it at all. these knuckle head jobworths in the county and bundoran councils have really done a good job in ruining Bundoran, you only have to look at the lack of custom in the town or south donegal for that matter to see the state we are in, and heres these plonkers from DCC trying to stop a bussiness like yours from bringing a possitive light to the town, Im from Derry City origonly you only have to ask any body whats the biggest tourist attraction in the city and they will tell you its the Murals in the Bogside, Hope ue successfull in your plight Mick, Clint Derry.

GerryDub said...

Have to agree with some of the comments here. The building is part of a very fine Victorian terrace and obviously you need planning permission to alter it so drastically. Granted, it's a nice enough mural, but it's also a giant advertisement for a private business. Get over it.

andy said...

Artwork is grand, but dunno what a giant orange octupus has to do with a surf school?

Also,,, the fault lies with the owners of turf n surf who didn't care about the law and went ahead and commisioned the mural.

Anonymous said...

The eyesore is coming down, most local surfers thought it was a complete mess, apart from the ones who worked for turf. Council have ordered its removal.