The Irish Times

The long-delayed millennium spire (Monument of Light, otherwise known as "The Spike", a stainless steel needle rising to a height of 120 metres on the site once occupied by Nelson's Pillar) planned for O'Connell Street in Dublin is likely to be erected early next year, becoming the most visible symbol of a civic determination to change the fortunes of Ireland's main street. The city manager, Mr John Fitzgerald, said Dublin Corporation would also be availing of new powers in the 1999 Planning Bill to reverse the tide of burger joints, amusement arcades and pound shops that had dragged the street down inrecent years.