Government finally moves to preserve Moore Street National Monument

THE DECISION by the Government to acquire the National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin, which was the last headquarters of the Provisional Government during the Easter Rising in 1916, has been welcomed following years of campaigning to preserve and develop the area.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha, who is a member of Dublin City Council's Moore Street Advisory Committee, said while full details have not been announced, the decision "represents vindication of all those who have campaigned to preserve historic Moore Street with its inextricable links to the 1916 Rising"

"From the beginning we have called for direct Ministerial intervention to save this battlefield site from dereliction and from being engulfed by an unwanted shopping mall," he said.

A previous decision by Dublin City Council led by Sinn Féin prevented a land swap deal with developers Chartered Land

Welcoming the initiative, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Culture and Heritage, Sandra McLellan TD, said:

"The surrounding battlefield site must be preserved in a way that is authentic and true to the area's history and character. All those who have tirelessly campaigned for the area's full preservation will still be insisting that this is guaranteed. The recent vote by Dublin City Council to prevent a land swap deal with developers of Chartered Land was a key step in ensuring its protection."

See photos from inside the National Monument