A DUBLIN BUSINESSMAN behind plans for a controversial 30-metre tall statue in the capital has said the city “needs something mega” to revive activity and attract visitors.

Paddy Dunning, CEO of The Giant Company, was speaking on RTÉ Prime Time last night about his proposal to build a large-scale digital sculpture at George’s Dock.

The project, known as ‘The Giant’, would see a massive human-shaped structure installed at the docklands site, alongside a wider development including performance spaces and community facilities.

Dunning said the plan would be funded privately and would not require support from Dublin City Council.

“It’s a commercial project that will pay for itself,” Dunning said.

“What we want to do is give back to the city. It really needs something big. It really needs something mega.”

He said the wider development would include rehearsal studios, event space and an “immersive” visitor experience, adding that access to parts of the facility would be free for the public.

An illustration of The Giant as James Joyce.

“We need more spaces for artists, more spaces for the community,” Dunning said.

The proposal has proven divisive however, with some councillors arguing the site should instead be used for public amenities.

Feljin Jose told Prime Time that he did not support the plan, arguing the space should prioritise facilities for residents.

“I don’t see how it benefits the people of Dublin,” he said. “We’re missing really good amenities.”

“What we need is a world-class facility for the people who live here.”

A public consultation previously found strong support for recreational use of the site, including calls for an outdoor swimming pool.

Dunning, however, suggested the proposal could still evolve and insisted the project would go through the required planning process.

“There’s no definite thing that the Giant will be there,” Dunning said.

“We’re just putting it forward.”