Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and allowing me the chance to clarify the position. It is important to note that my Department does not have a function in respect of the wider development site, of which the national monument forms part. As Minister, my remit strictly covers the national monument site, encompassing Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, and the consent application relating to these buildings. The development project as a whole has been through the planning system, from Dublin City Council to An Bord Pleanála. There are no other statutory processes to be gone through. My Department is considering further observations on the consent application received from the National Museum of Ireland in the past few days. The museum's submission raises a number of issues that may warrant further discussion and consultation between my Department, the developer and the museum. These will be dealt with as speedily as possible. I have undertaken to keep the all-party Oireachtas consultation group on commemorative matters informed of developments in respect of the Moore Street monument in the context of its role in the 1916 Rising centenary preparations. I do not envisage these proceedings being protracted and intend to make my decision on the consent application as speedily as possible.

To be clear, my function only concerns the national monument. Outside this, what has been determined by An Bord Pleanála and Dublin City Council is another issue. I will take the matter very seriously. Obviously, I will receive legal advice from the Attorney General's office and ensure the concerns expressed by the National Museum of Ireland, the response to which I have not yet seen, are fully examined. All of the various aspects of the proposal in respect of the national monument will be considered fully and I will then determine what should happen, whether the project should go ahead. If I reject the proposal for the site, the likelihood is that nothing will happen before 1916. It is important to clarify that the State does not own the site which is in private ownership. Obviously, it is under State protection as a national monument. There are a number of matters that I must consider seriously before I make my final determination.

See this speech in context