Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

385. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has completed a ‘definitive project brief’ for 14-17 Moore Street, similar to the brief completed on the GPO. [55336/25]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

386. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeline for the start and completion dates for all phases of works conducted thus far at 14-17 Moore Street since the purchase of each building by the State. [55337/25]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

387. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the meaningful progress expected in 2026 at 14-17 Moore Street; the estimated timeframe for completing the application for Ministerial consent; and the length of time the process usually takes. [55338/25]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

388. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the interim protective measures that have been put in place to mitigate against issues such as dry rot and timber decay at 14-17 Moore Street; and if it is intended to move some materials to a location off-site for treatment. [55339/25]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

389. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the new building with ancillary visitor facilities is planned for construction at 8/9 Moore Street or 8/9 Moore Lane; and to provide an update on this project. [55340/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 385, 386, 387, 388 and 389 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided to accept the recommendations of the Moore Street Advisory Group (MSAG) and instructed the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (D/HLGH) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) to advance a project to conserve the National Monument at 14–17 Moore Street and to open it as a visitor site commemorating the events of Easter Week 1916.

In seeking to further develop the proposals approved by Government following the Moore St Advisory Group (MSAG) process, the D/HLGH and the OPW are considering options for the site to the rear of 14-17 Moore St. Currently, the focus is on the Ministerial Consent based on the Concept Design for the site at Moore Lane. The application for the Ministerial Consent for 14–17 has recently been lodged and is currently being considered.

Other than a specific two week period stipulated for consultation with the National Museum, there is no statutory period for a decision set out in the Act. For the purpose of programming however, OPW have assumed a decision period of eight weeks. At this stage it is not possible to provide definitive start and completion dates for the full programme of works prior to the approval of the Ministerial Consent applications. However, we expect meaningful on-site progress in 2026, subject to statutory and procurement processes.

Condition and protection of the historic fabric

Since 2018, the OPW has been responsible for the maintenance and care of the Moore Street buildings. Following the principle of conservation in situ, the focus has been on stabilising and protecting the existing historic fabric, with minimal intervention, until full restoration can take place. Earlier protective works, including re-roofing and weatherproofing, addressed moisture-related timber deterioration. The buildings have since undergone a sustained period of drying, and current moisture levels are stable, substantially reducing the risk of decay.

In 2024, OPW commissioned an expert survey of all historic timbers. Ongoing monitoring continues, and targeted mitigation measures are applied where needed. Further specialist assessments of at-risk timbers are underway, and depending on their condition, treatments may involve in-situ conservation or removal for off-site specialist treatment and reinstatement. The OPW directly oversees this programme to ensure the protection of the historic fabric until substantive works begin.

Project brief

In OPW in June 2022 the OPW finalised a Definitive Project Brief document setting out the requirements for the project at 14-17 Moore St. This comprised a narrative document and accompanying design drawings setting out the requirements.

The OPW, working closely with D/HLGH, continues to progress the Moore Street project in accordance with Government direction and statutory requirements. Interim protective measures remain in place to safeguard the historic fabric while statutory, design and procurement steps are completed. The project remains a Government priority and the OPW is preparing for the commencement of substantive conservation and adaptation works once Ministerial Consents and procurement processes are complete.