Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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485.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the works scheduled to commence in June 2024 on the national monument in Moore Street will commence; and the nature of those works. [31904/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government, having considered all of the issues and having consulted extensively with all relevant stakeholders throughout the Moore Street Advisory Group process, have now decided to proceed with a scheme of works at 14 – 17 Moore St. which will preserve the property and allow it to be opened to the public.

In broad terms, the project will consist of the careful conservation of the original fabric and its adaptation to allow for safe access by members of the public. In parallel with the conservation of the buildings, the project team will create a visitor experience within the various rooms which will convey the story of the events of 1916 and their importance to the national story. The presentation will also describe the lives of the people who occupied the houses both before and after the Rising and the society in which they lived.

A second element of the project will consist of the construction of a new building on a site to the rear of the properties, with an extant basement area, which will provide additional facilities for visitors and will create a space for temporary exhibitions and events.

The Deputy should be aware that the project scope has altered since the original scheme some years ago and has been affected by a number of issues including the proposed nearby commercial developments and changes to building standards and regulations in the intervening period. Currently, the OPW are working on revised designs and intend to apply for Ministerial Consent to the Minister for Housing Local Government & Heritage under the National Monuments Act in September. Thereafter, assuming approval of the new proposals, the current programme indicates a start on site in approximately late 2025.