Clare County Council has given the green light for a mural depicting the war in Gaza to remain in Ennis.
The artwork which is mainly based on a real photo taken by Unicef shows Nakba Keys, doves and children barefoot holding hands amid the destruction of the war-torn enclave.
The painting was erected in October by local artist Rachel MacManus at the rear of Cornucopia in Chapel Lane and although the building’s owner Sinead Pyne consented to the works, planning permission was not sought.
On foot of public complaints relating to an unauthorised development, Clare County Council issued a warning letter.
In response, Sarah Geraghty of the People of Clare Against Genocide launched an online petition to save the mural, which gathered 1,500 verified signatures.
An application for retention permission was also submitted to the council by Sinead Pyne on February 6th, which received no objections and has now been approved to remain for a temporary period of three years.
As per the conditions, if the mural is defaced, it may be reinstated in its original form.
