N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme Public Art Project

Permanent Artwork with Engagement

Stage 1: Briefing Document & Application Deadline: 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021.

1. Introduction

This public art commission is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as part of the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme, which has recently reached substantial completion. The scheme is part of TIIs capital expenditure programme which is focussed on improving the safety and efficiency of the national road network. The scheme entailed the construction of approximately 5 km of Type 1 Single Carriageway, comprising part online reconstruction of existing carriageway and part off-line re-alignment of the N56 national secondary road between Mountcharles and Inver. The scheme has achieved a significant improvement on the pre-scheme arrangement along this legacy section of the N56 which was characterised by substandard features including a narrow cross-section with no hardstrips or verges, poor vertical and horizontal alignments and frequent access points.

The completed scheme has improved safety and enhances the accessibility of south west Donegal in particular between Donegal Town and Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port.

The scheme which is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is also a strategic tourism route providing access to a number of key locations in west Donegal including the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (with c.200,000 visitors per annum) and the Gleann Cholm Cille / Malin Beg Peninsula as well as Ardara, Glenties and Gweebarra.

2. Commission / Nature of the Work

Although the theme of the artwork is not defined the commissioners have suggested that artists explore the following themes which may inform the artwork:

 The Scheme’s Strategic Importance; This road scheme is strategically important as a gateway on the Wild Atlantic Way corridor between Donegal Town and the Port of Killybegs, as well as important tourist / visitor destinations such as the Sliabh Liag Cliffs and the Gleann Cholm Cille / Malin Beg Peninsula.

 The rich history and heritage of Mountcharles and Inver and the surrounding areas, for example; The area has a particularly strong connection with natural stone and stone masonry and has a rich history in the supply of stone for building locally, nationally and internationally. The strong industrial, social and economic history and heritage of the area as evidenced through local buildings and sites including the former Inver Creamery Building (Reg No. 40909229) which was demolished to make way for the scheme, as well as the adjoining millrace which runs to the Former Corn Mill (Reg No. 40909201). The Inver Creamery Building was built in 1903 using local sandstone. The creamery was partially rebuilt c. 1921/1922 after it was damaged by British forces during the War of Independence. The creamery was sited adjacent to the upper section of the millrace which fed the Former Corn Mill located 250m to the west. The Corn Mill was built or extended c. 1860 and possibly containing the fabric of an earlier mill built c. 1810. These sites are evidence of the past industrial processes and represent an integral element of the industrial, social and economic history and heritage of the area. For further information artists should visit www.buildingsofireland.ie.

The brief asks the artist/s to note the following:  The artwork should be sculptural and permanent in nature. The constituent materials of the artwork will need to be of a robust nature and capable of withstanding the prevalent weather conditions which characterise the site’s exposed location. It should be relatively maintenance free.  The commissioners would like for there to be some engagement with key stakeholders during the process, for example community groups, local schools and businesses in close proximity to the proposed art piece.  The commissioners would like to consider suggestions from the artist on what form this engagement will take, but examples might include; o an artist talk or presentation; o a remote studio visit/tour; o a workshop which may or may not have an input into the creative process; o stakeholders attending or being involved in the official opening ceremony; or o another suitable suggestion from the artist.  A commitment to Health and Safety policy is essential. The following information is appended to the end of this Stage 1 Brief to assist the artist: 1. Application Form 2. Site Location Map 3. Proposed Location for the Artwork 4. Further Information Relating to the N56 Road Scheme

3. Site Location

The N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme is located 10 km west of Donegal Town, a site location map is attached (drawing ref. 0010-DS-101-001). The commissioners have tentatively selected a potential site along the scheme as being possibly suitable. This site is identified on the attached ‘Proposed Location for Artwork’ map (drawing ref. 0010-DS-101-002). Some photos of the proposed site are also included. Should the artist so wish, the commissioners will consider an alternative location for the artwork, however it must satisfy a number of conditions particularly in the context of road safety.

4. The Commissioning Process:

The Commissioners will employ a Two-Stage Open Competition Process to select a suitable Artist(s) to deliver the Commission. It is open to all interested professional artists at any stage of their career or experience. Selection will be based on the information supplied and how that establishes the competence of the artists to carry out this commission. Stage 1 Artists are invited to express their interest in being considered for this project at the first stage of this commission. Interested artists are invited to submit the following to the Commissioners: A. Completed application form B. Curriculum Vitae C. A brief Artist’s Statement, including:  An outline (1 page) of the initial ideas and concepts of the how the artist proposes to engage with the commission. Drawings may be included but are not a requirement. No designs or detailed proposals are required at Stage 1.  Images / details of recent relevant works / projects.  Nominated location for the art installation. D. A sample selection of recently completed Public Art Commissions.

Stage 1 Selection Criteria Previous Works 50% Outline Concept 40% Suitability to this brief 10%

Site Visit: There will be no formal site visit during Stage 1, however, should they wish to do so, all applicants are free to view the site when completing their Stage 1 application; any queries can be directed to Cian Friel, Donegal National Roads Office, T: 074 97 24500 E: [email protected].

Completion of the Stage 1 Application: Before returning application forms, artists should ensure that all sections have been completed and declaration has been signed. As a Covid-19 mitigation measure, to avoid repeated handling of mail, submissions will only be accepted on digital format. Artists wishing to apply must contact Cian Friel via email and express their interest before 4pm on Friday, June 11, 2021. Once an Artist submits an expression of interest they will be provided with an individual link to the Donegal County Council Sharefile where they can upload their submission. Completed Stage 1 Submissions must be uploaded to the Donegal County Council Sharefile by 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021.

Please take note of the following:  Hard copy submission by post, courier or other will not be accepted.  All items / files submitted should clearly indicate the applicants name and contact details.  Submissions by fax will not be accepted.  Late submissions will not be accepted

The closing date for receipt of Stage 1 completed application form together with supporting documentation and material is 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021. Stage 2 From the completed Stage 1 applications; a shortlist of artists will be selected by panel jury. This panel, whose decision is final, has the right to clarify any issue which may arise in the course of selection. Those successfully selected for Stage 2 will be invited to submit a more detailed submission. This will involve the provision of a Visual Representation of the proposed Artwork, a Statement by the Artist outlining their Artistic Vision behind the work, a detailed Description of the proposed work including Materials to be used, Maintenance Schedule and a detailed Project Budget and programme. The Visual Representation may be in the form of drawings, a model or maquette, computer generated images or photographs. As part of the evaluation of Stage Two proposals, applicants may be invited to outline their proposals in the form of a presentation to the Selection Board. For Stage Two Submissions, the Commissioners will pay the Artist a premium of €500, upon delivery of their proposal by the date and time suggested.

Stage 2 Selection Criteria Artistic Merit Quality and innovation of concept Integration of project into the Road Scheme and surroundings Relevance to the historical, geographical and cultural context of the region Demonstration of the ability to carry out the project Time-frame and delivery terms Value for money Clarity and practicality or the proposal Durability and implications for future maintenance

Site Visit: A site visit may be arranged during the Stage 2 selection process.

5. Budget

The total funding from TII for this Public Art Project is €60,000. The artist will be responsible for meeting all associated costs out of the total allocated budget, including but not limited to artist fees, materials, installation, and any other costs related to the artwork inclusive of VAT. If required, Donegal County Council will assist with preparatory groundworks and / or design and construction of any foundations or plinths that may be required. However, any costs associated with such work must be covered by the allocated project budget.

6. Selection Panel

The Selection Panel will consist of a senior member of Donegal National Road Design Office, the Arts Officer for Donegal County Council, at least one elected member of the Donegal Municipal District and an independent professional artist; and will be chaired by a senior member of Donegal County Council.

7. Project Delivery Timeline

It is anticipated that the artwork should be completed and installed before the end of 2021. The final timeline will be agreed and confirmed with the commissioned artist at contract stage.

8. Queries Applicants can make enquiries regarding the commission to Cian Friel by telephone 074 97 24500 or by email [email protected].

APPLICATION FORM

N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme Public Art Project

Stage 1 – Application Form

Artist Name: ______

Address: (please note all correspondence will be sent to this address) ______Telephone:______Email: ______

1) Artists are asked to submit the following:

a. Detailed Curriculum Vitae b. Artist Statement including;  An outline (1 page) of the initial ideas and concepts of the how the artist proposes to engage with the commission. Drawings may be included, but are not a requirement. No designs or detailed proposals are required at Stage 1;  Details of previous relevant projects or commissions, including visuals, date, cost, time scale to deliver, c. Names of 2 referees and their contact details.

2) Supporting Information:

To assist in the assessment of your application, supporting documentation should be included and should be clearly labelled on submission. Please confirm the supporting documentation and Number of Items Enclosed in the table below:

Item Enclosed CV

Other, please specify ______

3) Please indicate your acceptance or confirmation of the following by ticking the box

Tax Clearance: Confirmation that, if successful, the artist is ready to submit a current Tax Clearance Certificate /  Access Number, or an Artist Exemption Certificate and to provide required insurances. Freedom of information: Applicants completing this form should note that information provided is for a public works project  and may be disclosed in response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Act (1997 and 2003). Garda Vetting: As the Commission Brief specifies a degree of engagement with children from local primary schools  on the part of the commissioned artist, the successful artist will be subject to Garda vetting procedures. Declaration I have read the award conditions, agree to be bound by them, and certify that the information in  this application is correct to the best of my knowledge.

4) Declaration I, the applicant, in submitting this application, hereby declare all the foregoing particulars to be true. I also authorise Donegal County Council to conduct reference checks and qualification checks, as required.

Signed ______

Date ______

As a Covid-19 mitigation measure, to avoid repeated handling of mail, submissions will only be accepted on digital format. Artists wishing to apply must contact Cian Friel via email and express their interest before 4pm on Friday, June 11, 2021. Once an Artist submits an expression of interest they will be provided with an individual link to the Donegal County Council Sharefile where they can upload their submission. Completed Stage 1 Submissions must be uploaded to the Donegal County Council Sharefile by 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021.

 Closing date for expression of interest to receive a link to the Donegal County Council Sharfile is 4pm on Friday 11 June, 2021.  Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 4pm on Monday 14 June, 2021.

Please note that applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted.

SITE LOCATION MAP

PROJECT LOCATION Killybegs Ardara Ballyshannon

N56

Dungloe N56 Glenties Gweedore N56

Donegal N56 Dunfanaghy DONEGAL

N15 Creeslough Killybegs Ardara Kilmacrennan Ballyshannon

N56

Dungloe N56 Glenties Gweedore N56

Donegal N56 Dunfanaghy Termon DONEGAL

N15 Kilmacrennan

N15 Ballybofey N15 Letterkenny

Ballybofey N56

N13 N56

N15 Letterkenny Lifford

Malin Head N14

N13

N13 NORTHERN IRELAND

N15 Lifford

Malin Head N14

N13 1. 3. 2. SEA LEVEL AT MALIN HEAD, COUNTY DONEGAL. COORDINATES ARE TO IRISH NATIONAL GRID AND LEVELS MEAN CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT. IT MAY NOT BE COPIED, USED OR ITS CONTENTS THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AND A DIVULGED WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT. ANY EARTHWORKS OR EMBANKMENTS SHOWN ARE INDICATIVE. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN METRES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

NOTES: End 6. 5. 4. SCALED DIMENSIONS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THIS DRAWING. OWN RISK. TO ANY DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION USE. THE LOCATION OF ANY EXISTING SERVICES SHOWN ON THIS DRAWING ARE INTENDED FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AND SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED PRIOR HARD COPIES, DWF'S & PDF'S WILL FORM A CONTROLLED ISSUE OF THIS DRAWING. WORK CARRIED OUT BASED ON UNCONTROLLED FORMATS IS AT THE RECIPIENTS ALL OTHER FORMATS (DWG, DXF ETC) ARE DEEMED TO BE UNCONTROLLED AND ANY Scheme Extents DMS I.D. Rev By Date Proposed Location Description Proposed Location of Art Work Approved: Checked: Drawn: Title: Component: Project: Filepath: CF CF DMG Site Location Map Information Only N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme C:\Users\dannymcgeehan\Desktop\Arts Project Date: File Name: Scales: Site Location Map April 2021 NTS Drawing No.

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FURTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE N56 ROAD SCHEME

1. Background

The N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme is located 10 km northwest of Donegal Town on the N56 National Secondary Route, the key transport corridor to the south west of the County, an area which includes Killybegs – the largest fishing port in Ireland, Sliabh Liag Cliffs and other scenic tourist attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way. A location plan of the Site is provided on drawing 0010-TI-101-01. This project consists of the construction of approximately 5 km of Type 1 Single Carriageway, comprising part online reconstruction of existing carriageway and off-line re-alignment of the N56 National Secondary Road between Mountcharles and Inver.

2. Donegal County Development Plan

The strategic importance of this scheme is reflected in the County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024. The Core Strategy of which is to set the coordinated framework within the County to deliver a connected place, enable economic growth, facilitate measures to deliver on high quality of life, guide population growth within an appropriate settlement structure and to cooperate effectively within the regional context. A high quality and sustainable transport network is a crucial element in driving growth and development across all areas of social, environmental and economic development. The transportation network is particularly fundamental in attracting investment, developing the tourism industry, addressing climate change and creating sustainable places and communities. The Donegal County Development Plan sets out a Transportation Strategy which is inextricably linked to, and derived from, the Core Strategy of the Plan. The implementation of the Core Strategy is in part dependant on the key transportation links around the County, at a strategic level. The development of road schemes such as this assist in achieving a large number of the strategic objectives as set out in the Development Plan, particularly in:  Providing high quality connectivity within and throughout the County for the local population to live, socialise and work as well as for economic, commercial and tourism development;  Delivering optimum accessibility and ease of movement;  Safeguarding the carrying capacity and safety of National Roads;  Supporting access to and appropriate development of ports and airports; and  Supporting the development of new walkways, walking routes, trails, greenways and cycleways that maximise the potential for local, regional and all-island walking and cycling networks. In terms of Tourism, the N56 aligns significantly with the Wild Atlantic Way tourism corridor. Furthermore, the County Development Plan has highlighted Donegal Town to Killybegs as a potential greenway development. To this end, improvement works such as this, to Donegal’s national road network are of significant benefit and value to all those directly impacted and to the local communities through which they run. They are also of significant importance to the county, with benefits including improving safety, connectivity, access to, and within the south west, and social inclusion as well as providing clear economic and environmental benefits.