Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Bhí clár ar TG4 aréir, clár a leirigh scannal mór sa cathair seo. I do not know if the Minister saw the documentary last night but it lifted the lid on what must surely be one of the worst ever planning scandals in this city or the country. The documentary, "Iniúchadh - Oidhreacht na Cásca", has exposed a record of skullduggery and secret dealings between the management of Dublin City Council and developers who want to demolish what is now the national monument on Moore Street and develop a monstrous shopping mall on Ó Connell Street.

Is the Minister aware that these backroom deals involved gross misuse of the compulsory purchase order process to the advantage of one developer, Chartered Land, which at the time was not even the registered owner of the lands in question? Will the Government call for full disclosure from Dublin City Council management about all these matters, including full texts of the secret agreements? Will the Minister and the Government call a halt to this scandalous episode?

The vandalism of the site which developers propose to pursue cannot go ahead without the permission of the Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan. He has had this matter on his desk for some months and he can refuse to give the go-ahead to Chartered Land to build on and encroach upon any part of the national monument, the historic last meeting place of the 1916 leaders on Moore Street.

In addition to seeking full disclosure from Dublin City Council, will the Government this morning indicate that the envisaged development will cease and Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister in question, will refuse permission for it? Will the Government and this Dáil act to preserve, enhance and develop the national monument?

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