Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the point well, and I understand Moore Street as an example. I assume we are not using Moore Street as a mechanism to change the Bill. It and the battlefield site are very important. I know the area well and I know the history of it very well also, as I am sure all Deputies here do. With regard to the definition, while we could say it is the alleyways in this example for many it could be more than this. For many, it would include the exit from the GPO all the way down to the bottom of Henry Street and down to the alleyways and Moore Lane, O'Rahilly Parade and all of these various places.

If we look at the section in the Bill, which Deputy Ó Broin obviously has because he has tabled the amendment, subparagraph (ii) refers to "any element of the structure that contributes to its special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest" We have a national monument at Moore Street and there is further work to be done. Cities and areas evolve. They cannot just be sterilised. In an historical context we are protecting the national monuments and there will be further work. The north O'Connell Street and Moore Street area requires development for the regeneration of that part of the city.

I understand what Deputy Ó Broin is saying but it would be very difficult. Who would define the context? It is not a criticism of the amendment; it is just from knowing it and from working on two of the Moore Street reports it is about balancing the historical nature of the buildings in that part of our city with the future development of the city. Every city develops. We do not sterilise historical places necessarily either.