Ms Muriel McAuley:

To put my presence here in context, my mother's father, uncle and godfather were three of the seven signatories. That is one reason I am here. Another is that I am a Dubliner, a mother and a grandmother and for future generations it is imperative that this area is properly treated but it is in danger of not being so. The national monument as it is currently designated is the buildings on Moore Street, Nos. 14 to 17, back as far as Moore Lane. The planning permission proposed intends to intrude on 60% of that. Professor Kealy mentioned the importance of not interfering with buildings. The planning permission proposes putting staff toilets, kitchens and car parks under this national monument, which could well endanger the structures.

When the campaign began Nos. 14 to 17 were seen to be very important. We must keep in mind that Nos. 10 to 25, and the yards behind that, were all occupied. There were approximately 300 volunteers and they occupied all of the yards and all of the buildings. The proposal we are putting forward is that we return many of the buildings to their previous use, much as Professor Kealy suggested, namely, living accommodation, relevant shop accommodation not simply a commemorative centre. Nos. 10 to 25 and the lanes are very important as well.