Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government decided to acquire the national monument at 14–17 Moore Street because of its historic association with the events of Easter 1916. The decision demonstrates and acknowledges the historical importance of the site in a clear and substantive way and ensures that the long-term future of this historical landmark will be preserved and safeguarded. Bringing the monument into public ownership also allows for the development of a 1916 commemorative centre on the site.

The legal steps to bring the national monument into my ownership as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have been completed. My Department has also concluded a tendering process for the scheme of conservation works initiated when the property was under lien by National Asset Management Agency in order to get construction work under way as speedily as possible and prevent further deterioration to the fabric of the national monument buildings. This conservation work has commenced and will be completed during 2016, the centenary year.

Provision has been made in the contract to facilitate managed public access to the monument for some centenary events. I met the 1916 relatives following my announcement on 10 November 2015 that work was about to get under way. They were given a detailed briefing by the project team and I will continue to keep the relatives and other interested parties informed about the project as it progresses.

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