1916

Consideration Must be Given to Altering Moore St Development Plans in order to Safeguard Historic 1916 Buildings-Oireachtas Environment Committee

27 April 2010

The proposed redevelopment of the Moore Street and O’Connell Street area must not disregard the historic features of the quarter and their significant link to the 1916 Rising, according to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Committee members were today given a detailed and extensive tour of the area by members of the Save 16 Moore Street Committee. The tour was conducted by James Connolly Heron, great-grandson of James Connolly and Honor O Brolchain, great-niece of Joseph Plunkett.

An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission for a major retail and residential development of the zone. Much of the area has significant historic interest encompassing the escape route from the GPO taken by the leaders of the 1916 Rising and their ultimate final headquarters in 16 Moore Street.

Relatives of the 1916 leaders have expressed concern that the development will damage the integrity of the area and demolish the significant historical buildings of the Rising.

Committee Chairman, Se n Fleming TD said;
“We were extremely impressed by what we saw and learnt today. Following this, we feel that there is a genuine case for altering the development plans as they currently stand in order to preserve the most significant historical features of the area.

The centenary of the 1916 Rising will soon be upon us and we feel it would be a shame if the streets and houses where these momentous events took place were not maintained to some extent.

Therefore, we intend to contact the Minister for Environment to put our views to him regarding how this sensitive development should be handled. While we all acknowledge that development is necessary, there must also be a central place maintained for our national heritage and history.”