Dublin’s New Metro Link: What You Need to Know

A proposal for a large-scale digital monument known as The Giant is being pitched as a new landmark for Dublin’s Docklands, with its proponent arguing the city needs a high-impact attraction to revive activity and draw visitors.

The project, proposed by Dublin businessman Paddy Dunning and his firm, The Giant Company, would see a human-shaped robotic structure installed at George’s Dock. According to reports from May 1, 2026, the statue would measure between 30 and 60 metres in height, with The Giant Company’s website specifying a minimum height of 35 metres.

The structure would utilize millions of programmable LED pixels and patented technology to transform its appearance, allowing it to represent various Irish and international figures, including scientists, athletes and artists. The robotic nature of the installation would enable the statue to move, sing, and speak.

Project Scope and Funding

The estimated cost of the project is €29 million. Paddy Dunning, who is also behind the National Wax Museum and The Button Factory, stated that the development would be funded via private investment, though he would also seek public grants where available.

Beyond the statue itself, the proposal includes a wider development at the docklands site. This would consist of a hub featuring rehearsal studios, event spaces, a small venue, and an immersive visitor experience. Dunning stated that access to some parts of the facility would be free for the public to provide spaces for the local community and the arts.

For the main attraction, visitors would be charged an adult entry fee of €25. The experience would allow visitors to be digitally scanned and mapped onto the form of the statue.

Economic and Digital Strategy

A feasibility study conducted by PwC, which was co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and Dublin City Council, found that the project could deliver significant social, cultural, and economic benefits. The study estimated that The Giant could generate annual revenue between €6,052,610 and €31,799,200 through admission fees and advertising.

Dublin City Council has linked the proposal to its digital transformation strategy, which aims to establish Dublin as a truly digital city by 2030. The council also referenced a Dublin City Taskforce report emphasizing the necessity of creating compelling reasons for people to visit the city centre.

It’s a commercial project that will pay for itself. What we want to do is give back to the city. It really needs something big. It really needs something mega.

Paddy Dunning, CEO of The Giant Company

Community Opposition and Controversy

The proposal has met with resistance from some local representatives who argue the George’s Dock site should be prioritized for public amenities. Green Party Dublin City Councillor Feljin Jose told RTÉ Prime Time on May 1, 2026, that he did not support the plan, stating, I don’t see how it benefits the people of Dublin and arguing for the creation of world-class facilities for residents.

Councillor Janet Horner also expressed opposition, describing the project as a niche campaign driven with corporate interest in mind rather than for the benefit of the community. Previous public consultations for the site indicated strong support for recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool and sports pitches.

Critics have also pointed to Dunning’s previous ventures. Reporting from April 29, 2026, noted a previous controversy involving a wax sculpture of Sinead O’Connor at the National Wax Museum, which was removed from display within 24 hours of its unveiling following criticism of its likeness.

Dunning has suggested that the proposal could still evolve and noted that community projects, such as an outdoor pool, could potentially be integrated into the same site. He has insisted that the project will undergo the required planning process.