FF Senator calls for debate on 1916 historical quarter in Dublin

​Fianna Fáil’s Dublin spokesperson Senator Darragh O’Brien is calling on the Minister for Arts & Culture to immediately halt any work on historical buildings in Moore Street and specifically to ensure that Number 18 is not demolished.

Senator O’Brien is also demanding that the Minister attend a debate in the Seanad next week on the urgent need to preserve historical buildings in key locations linked to the 1916 Rising. The Dublin Fingal general election candidate co-authored the 1916 Quarter Development Bill which was debated in the Dáil last month.

The Bill called on the Government to protect all the major landmarks associated with the Easter Rising in Dublin. “Fianna Fáil wants to create a 1916 historical quarter in Dublin city, which would encompass not only the GPO and Moore Street, but also other key locations which were linked to the 1916 Easter Rising such as Boland’s Mills, South Dublin Union (St. James’ Hospital), the Old Jacob’s Factory and the Royal College of Surgeons to name but a few.

“Eventually we would like to see all of the locations where Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army fought during Easter week preserved. The Bill provided for the establishment of an urban development company which would oversee the creation of the 1916 historical quarter to ensure that areas of historical significance are given the prominence they deserve. Beginning with the GPO and Moore Street area, the development company would undertake major regeneration and restoration works in and around Dublin city centre, which would not only serve to mark an important event in Ireland’s history, but would also breathe life back into areas which have fallen into disrepair. We are committed to the past and the future of the area.

“We want to create a city that respects and preserves its history, while at the same time rejuvenating those areas. Fianna Fáil is calling for the establishment of a ‘Freedom Trail’ to clearly identify all of the sites associated with the Easter Rising.

“While we support the Government’s programme of events to mark the Rising, there needs to be a lasting investment made in our history and heritage so that future generations of Irish people recognise the sacrifices made in 1916.”