The Phil Lynott statue today. Source: Daragh Brophy

THE STATUE OF Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott is being taken away for repairs – but should be back in place outside Bruxelles, off Dublin’s Grafton Street, well before Christmas.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed the landmark statue was being removed today, and would be gone for four to five weeks.

It’s not the first time Phil’s been taken from his spot just off the city’s main shopping thoroughfare: the statue was removed in May of 2013 after it was pushed over in the early hours of the morning.

It was gone for months on that occasion, and a large metal rod was placed in the pavement on Harry Street to make sure it couldn’t be knocked over again.

This time around the damage doesn’t appear that serious.

The bass guitar propped in the singer’s hands has been broken, and some of the ‘strings’ have come loose, but that’s about it…

Source: Daragh Brophy

RTÉ is reporting that the damage was caused by a motorist, who later got in touch with authorities to let them know what happened. Philo’s mum, Philomena, is said to be aware that the motorist took responsibility.

Two men handed themselves in to gardaí at Pearse Street Station when it was knocked over two years ago, but were later released.

Philomena forgave the culprits almost immediately that time too.