Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We have discussed this previously here as the Deputy is aware. He knows the story in respect of my views about No. 16 Moore Street and the general locality. Without interfering with the legalities of what obtains at present I see real opportunities in this area. Deputy Adams is aware that in September 2006 No. 16 Moore Street was added to the register of protected structures under the Planning and Development Act 2000 by resolution of Dublin City Council because of its historical importance and architectural interest. This listing gives protection to the building, its interior and the land and structure in its curtilage. In January 2007, the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche, placed a preservation order on the building under the National Monuments Act 1930 as amended because the preservation of No. 16 is considered a matter of national importance due to the historical interest attaching to it. Ministerial consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act will be required for all works in the area covered by the preservation order.

I understand the planning approval granted by An Bord Pleanála for the redevelopment of the Carlton Cinema site in central Dublin includes a provision relating to the conservation of the national monument at Moore Street. Everybody understands the importance of the events that took place during Easter week at the GPO and the significance of the last command post at No. 16 Moore Street. The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, of which Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street form part, envisages the retention of these buildings and the provision of a commemorative centre to the 1916 rising in No. 16. I was there recently and it is not a very edifying historic centre for what happened in 1916.

An application by the developer for consent to these proposals under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 was submitted to the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs on 17 June. I understand the Minister is considering this application and is engaging in extensive consultation with all interested parties for and against the developer's plans. The Minister will have to take into account all relevant views, including those of the Oireachtas consultation group on commemoratives matters which he chairs, prior to making a decision on what is a very important case. I understand the consultation group was at the site recently to look at it themselves.

We all have views on this. The area from the side door of the GPO, turning left to the corner of Moore Street, to the point where the O'Rahilly was shot, to the location where the battery was on top of the Rotunda, to the sidewalk location where the actual surrender took place is very small. With a bit of imagination and interest it could become a location for understanding what happened when the rising took place and eventually led to this country being one of the first small countries to achieve its independence in the 20th century. I respect this as somebody who tried to teach some elements of this to children many years ago. It is not all gone and this is an opportunity to get very much of it right or as right as we can. I expect all parties and Deputies to contribute to a constructive debate in this regard.

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