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

As I have stated several times, responsibility for planning and the broader site rests with Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála. My responsibility relates specifically to the national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street. I have engaged in a long process, lasted for three years, under which I granted permission to carry out works on the national monument and I am now satisfied that the best solution has been found. I refused consent to demolish some of the structures at the rear of the national monument, for example, the facades on Moore Lane, and I did not grant permission to proceed with an underground car park. The planning for the broader site rests with Dublin City Council. I and my Department have carried out our responsibilities and ensured the national monument will be protected. The best solution has been found.

An impression is being given that everything will be demolished. I reiterate that two lanes, Henry Place and O'Rahilly Place, will be retained. and a further lane, Moore Lane, will be retained, albeit under a glass rain cover. It is important to note, that the lanes of history will remain.

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