Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
127. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will intervene in the public interest to ensure that 1916 buildings of national historic importance, including 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin 1, which are currently under the financial control of the National Asset Management Agency, will not be included in the Project Jewel auction of Chartered Land's loan portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32862/15]
View answerI have received a number of items of correspondence regarding these important historic buildings, including from the Deputy and the Cross Party Committee on Moore Street. I believe NAMA has also received representations on the matter and have advised that these buildings were not part of the Project Jewel portfolio.
The formulation and implementation of policy relating to the protection of Ireland s archaeological heritage is the responsibility of the National Monuments Service, under the Minister of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht recently deemed 14-17 Moore Street a National Monument.
Following that decision to deem the buildings a National Monument, I am advised that NAMA swiftly facilitated the sale of 14-17 Moore Street, by one of its debtors to the State. I am further advised that since my last correspondence with Deputy O'Sullivan on the matter, this transaction has been completed and 14-17 Moore Street are now in State ownership under the aegis of the Minister of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. As a result of this sale, 14-17 Moore Street no longer serve as security in relation to any NAMA loan. The contract for sale included all licenses needed to enable the State carry out the National Monument works including site access from all sides.
It should be noted that, whilst NAMA facilitated the transaction, the sale was ultimately a commercial matter between the owner of the properties and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as purchaser and therefore questions relating to the commercial aspects of that transaction should be addressed to those parties.
The sale to the State has meant that the Moore Street National Monument has now come into public ownership and the long-term future of this historical landmark is secured. I am also aware that the 1916 Commemorative Centre is planned to be developed on the site and will be run as a public facility with access for citizens and visitors. The new Commemorative Centre will also enhance and complement the 1916 visitor facility currently being developed in the GPO.
I trust the Deputy, and all those with an interest in the history of the 1916 Rising, will welcome this information.
