Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

81. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the tendering process for restoration contracts for Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street in Dublin 1; the estimated cost of the restoration and who costed it; and if proposals will be made available to relatives and interested parties. [43482/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government decided to acquire the national monument at Nos. 14–17 Moore Street because of its historic association with the events of Easter 1916. This 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 underway as speedily as possible to prevent further deterioration to the fabric of the national monument buildings.

This conservation work has now commenced and will be completed during the 2016 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 underway. They were given a detailed briefing by the project team. I will continue to keep the relatives and other interested parties informed about the project as it progresses.

I also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No.5 on 12 November 2015.