Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the Bill as well. The UK property group, Hammerson, owns a six-acre site stretching from O'Connell Street to Moore Street and Parnell Street. It is to seek planning permission next month that will involve knocking down buildings and changing the streets. I am in full agreement with the measure in the Bill to put a preservation order on the terrace and curtilage of the premises from 10 to 25 Moore Street.

While speaking about history I would like to mention my area of Lowertown, Schull and the Michael John McLean memorial. Michael John lost his life 100 years ago in December in Gaggan, Bandon. I am delighted to have played a part in remembering Michael John on 8 December last. There was a hard-working committee comprising Michael Bambrick, Tim Bannon, Colin O'Driscoll, Bernard O'Sullivan and Gráinne Wilson who have worked on the surrounding of the McLean memorial in Lowertown. We need to protect and respect our culture and areas.

I am keen to speak about the fine museum and memorial gardens in west Cork, including the Michael Collins Centre between Ballinascarthy and Timoleague run by the Crowley family. This museum has never received a cent in State funding but it is one of the finest dedicated to Michael Collins in Ireland. My thanks to the Crowley family, who are relations of the late General Michael Collins. This is surely is one of the greatest historical museums in the country and we could well do with supporting it not only by visiting it but with State recognition for the people as well.

The Kilbrittain memorial committee built a memorial garden in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of people in the area who died at that time. The parish lost the most people in the sense that eight local people out of 800 in the parish lost their lives more than 100 years ago. The committee intends to erect a bronze statue of Charlie Hurley, the officer commanding the west Cork brigade. The committee is seeking funding for the statue. A modest amount from the State would make such a difference for groups who want to commemorate those heroic days. It is time for this country to stop talking and start funding these vital community commemorations. We should remember that west Cork played a most active part in Ireland in 1916. Throughout west Cork there was equally strong committed work done by the membership of Cumman na mBan. We should remember that the War of Independence would never have been the success it was but for the work and suffering of these great women. Many were imprisoned and went on hunger strike during the Civil War.

We should also give great credit to voluntary organisations like the Crossbarry community action group, whose commemoration has been moved from this year to next year, like so many others, due to the pandemic. The Battle of Crossbarry was the turning point in the War of Independence. It was led by Tom Barry and during the battle the great Charlie Hurley lost his life. I know Joe Croke, Marie Murphy, Leo Flynn, Maureen Bohan and others are working towards that commemoration. Credit needs to go to these people. I mentioned Joe Croke. He is also involved in the Lowertown committee so he is an all-round type of person.

I genuinely support this Bill. It is something I have heard Deputies speaking on for a long time. I agree that a preservation order should be put in place where Moore Street is concerned.

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