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

I thank the Minister of State for his response, which I welcome. While he made it clear that the national monument was not part of Project Jewel, I still have concerns about the sale and the implication of future works in the surrounding area. I welcome the Minister of State's confirmation that the purchase of the national monument by the State is nearing completion. I hope that the completion date will be soon, as 2016 is fast approaching. Nos. 14-17 Moore Street and the surrounding area have been an issue in this Chamber since I was elected, and probably long before then. The national monument is a derelict site and a national disgrace. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is its guardian, so it is for her to protect it.

When and how will the €5 million be spent? Have the building structures and newly discovered cellars at the national monument been surveyed by suitably qualified experts? If not, when will that happen? Has consideration been given to extending the protection of national monument status to other 1916 buildings and structures identified by the Frank Myles-Shaffrey battlefield report as having direct links to the Rising? Will any restoration work take place prior to 2016 or will we still be looking at a derelict site?

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