Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise this issue today because of concerns regarding the proposed auction of the Project Jewel loan portfolio now under the control of NAMA. It is my understanding that this portfolio includes the 1916 national monument, 14 to 17 Moore Street, situated in heart of the last extant 1916 battlefield. Can the Minister confirm if this is the case?

This site, which spans from 14 to 17 Moore Street has been described as the most important historic site in Irish history by the National Museum. Any continuing uncertainty regarding the future of this historic area is totally unacceptable to the relatives of the founding fathers of the nation as we approach the centenary of the Rising.

To sell it to private investors who will doubtless have little regard as to its significance beyond its commercial potential is unacceptable and an affront to Ireland's people and history. We must protect this battlefield site. The 1916 freedom quarter must be removed from the NAMA property portfolio. It cannot be allowed to become a shopping centre, as has been planned by Chartered Land. It must be respected for its historic and cultural significance, which far outweigh commercial gain. It is a key part of our history and heritage, yet NAMA has refused to meet the cross-party Oireachtas Moore Street committee members to discuss it. Has consideration been given to the implications the sale and any future work will have on the national monument? Is the €5 million set aside by NAMA for the restoration of the monument still available? Will the Minister of State confirm whether there has been any consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht or the National Museum on the sale of this portfolio, known as Project Jewel, by NAMA?

Yesterday, the Oireachtas cross-party group, relatives and other stakeholders made a formal request to An Taoiseach for the protection of the 1916 national monument. As we move into the centenary of one of the most defining moments in Irish history, we are asking the Taoiseach and the Government to act swiftly and decisively to ensure our heritage is honoured appropriately.

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