Seanad debates

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Developments in the European Union and Ireland's Presidency of the European Council: Statements with An Taoiseach

 

I refer to Senator Zappone's comments about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A deal of work is ongoing in this regard and I will provide the Senator with further information later. I have already referred to the Structural Funds. Ireland has used these funds wisely over the years. Senator O'Donnell spoke about O'Connell Street. I know that Senator Sheahan also commented on this matter recently. A part of O'Connnell Street, at the side of the GPO and down through Moore Street, is the subject of some discussion. This area contains the houses in Moore Street which were occupied by the leaders of the 1916 Rising. While the buildings in that locality are all part of a planning application, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for national monuments and the houses in the centre of Moore Street are designated as a national monument. The decision about the overall development which impacts on O'Connell Street has been referred to by the Senator. I would like a situation where the principal street of the principal city is cherished by our people and is regarded internationally as being a place of perfect safety where our independence was achieved at the start of the 20th century. Ireland was one of the first small countries to achieve independence at that time.

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