The sculpture, standing 4m tall and featuring 3.5m antlers, has been constructed to highlight “Ireland’s hidden electrical waste”.
Dubbed the ‘Trash EEE-lk’, it is made up of more than 1,000 electrical items and components, including 80 circuit boards, 24 iPads and 28 plugs.
The installation was designed by Irish artist Ned Leddy in a collaboration with the European Recycling Platform (ERP).
New Leddy with his creation. Photo: Barry Cronin
Mr Leddy said he was delighted to take on “such an ambitious, creative and meaningful project”, with the design inspired by the prehistoric Irish elk, which roamed Ireland thousands of years ago.
“The idea of resurrecting an ancient Irish creature using today’s electronic waste immediately resonated with me,” he said.
“I hand-selected every piece of recycled material, choosing components that would add texture, scale and personality to the sculpture.
“It was fascinating to see discarded electronics transform into something so striking and symbolic. I hope ‘Trash EEE-lk’ inspires people to see waste differently while reconnecting us with our ancient past.”
We want to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability
New research from ERP Ireland found chargers and cables, vapes and earphones are the items misdisposed of most often.
The art installation aims to encourage people to dispose of electrical items properly by recycling them.
Country general manager of ERP Ireland James Burgess said: “By reimagining the ancient Irish elk through modern electronic waste, we want to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability and encourage people to think differently about the electrical items in their homes.
Electronic waste. Photo: Getty
“‘Trash EEE-lk’ truly brings Ireland’s lost elk – and invisible WEEE – back into view.”
St Patrick’s Festival CEO Richard Tierney said: “Sustainability is one of our core organisational values, and it’s an area where we are committed to leading by example.
“We have partnered with the European Recycling Platform for several years, and together we aim to inspire our communities to embrace responsible recycling practices and help pave the way for a greener future.
“‘Trash EEE-lk’ is a striking symbol with a simple message: small actions can change Ireland’s waste story.”
The “Trash EEE-lk” will be on display in St Patrick’s Park in Dublin 8 from Saturday, March 14, to Monday, March 16.