7 Samh 2012, 15:09
The preservation of historic buildings in Moore Street, Dublin which were the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising will be discussed by the Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 8th November.
Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael McCarthy, TD said: “The Committee will discuss the preservation of the historic buildings in Moore Street, Dublin with various representatives campaigning to save a section of the famous street of historical relevance to the 1916 Rising.
As the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising after they evacuated the GPO, the Moore Street buildings and the laneways around them are of huge national and historical importance. The buildings form part of the most important battlefield site in modern Irish history. Some of the buildings are in a state of neglect and are subject to a planning application.
The Committee believes that this is an important issue which needs to be resolved. Given the fact that we are approaching the centenary of the 1916 Rising, it is important that the area is developed in a manner that respects the historical significance of the site.
We recognise that the Committee has no executive function in the matter and our only role is to facilitate all those who have shown an interest in the site to have their views and perspectives put on the public record. It is for the Minister to decide on how the area is developed and preserved as a national monument. The aim of this meeting is to assist him in hearing all of the views and coming to a final decision.
The Committee regrets the fact that the owner of the site, Chartered Land, has declined an invitation to address the meeting. Representatives of the company were invited to attend the meeting and every effort was made to facilitate them. However, we were unable to meet Chartered Land’s request to give its evidence in private session. Given the importance of the site, the Committee feels that this issue should be addressed in public.
However, we feel our meeting tomorrow gives all of those with an interest in the site an opportunity to put their views on the public record and, as such, is a very valuable exercise.
Before meeting with the various representatives, our meeting will start with a presentation from Emeritus Professor Loughlin Kealy, UCD on the general principles for the preservation of historic buildings. At this meeting members will receive a thorough overview and an independent expert view on the conservation principles and guidelines for the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic buildings and heritage assets.”
This meeting will start in Committee Room 2, Leinster House at 1pm tomorrow, Thursday, 8th November 2012.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
Media enquiries to:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Email: Ciaran.brennan@oireachtas.ie
Membership of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht
Deputies: James Bannon TD (Fine Gael); Paudie Coffey TD (Fine Gael); Noel Coonan (Fine Gael) Leas-Chathaoirleach; Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD (Fine Gael); Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil); Luke Flanagan TD (Independent); Kevin Humphreys TD (Labour); Michael McCarthy TD (Labour) Cathaoirleach; Sandra McLellan TD (Sinn Féin); Tony Mc Loughlin TD (Fine Gael); Michelle Mulherin TD (Fine Gael); Catherine Murphy TD (Independent); Gerald Nash TD (Labour); Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD; Brian Stanley TD (Sinn Féin).
Senators: Senator Cáit Keane (Fine Gael) Senator Denis Landy (Labour); An Seanadóir Fiach Mac Conghail (Neamhspleách); Senator Catherine Noone (Fine Gael); An Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fáil): Senator Ned O’Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).