Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal and want to ensure the preservation order is endorsed. When I was a county councillor based in Rathfarnham many moons ago, Rathfarnham Castle was bought by a developer. At the time we made a big push in the former Dublin County Council to prevent the developer developing the site. An agreement was made that Rathfarnham Castle would be preserved and that a land swop would be arranged with the developer. That is where it is at. I hope members of Dublin City Council will think along those lines because we have an opportunity to preserve our national heritage.

I welcome the family members of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation. I am delighted to be associated with the project which I wish to see brought to fruition. I refer to the entire site, including the Carlton site and the relocation of The Abbey. We have a golden opportunity to make it a national monument. That would enhance the entire area. As a former member of Dublin County Council and knowing the area so well I would be delighted to endorse the preservation order, which I hope will come to fruition and that we will be able to preserve the site.