The preservation of historic buildings in Moore Street, Dublin which were the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising will be discussed by the Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht at its meeting today, Thursday, 8th November.

Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael McCarthy, TD said: "The Committee will discuss the preservation of the historic buildings in Moore Street, Dublin with various representatives campaigning to save a section of the famous street of historical relevance to the 1916 Rising. As the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising after they evacuated the GPO, the Moore Street buildings and the laneways around them are of huge national and historical importance. The buildings form part of the most important battlefield site in modern Irish history. Some of the buildings are in a state of neglect and are subject to a planning application.

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"The Committee believes that this is an important issue which needs to be resolved. Given the fact that we are approaching the centenary of the 1916 Rising, it is important that the area is developed in a manner that respects the historical significance of the site.

"We recognise that the Committee has no executive function in the matter and our only role is to facilitate all those who have shown an interest in the site to have their views and perspectives put on the public record. It is for the Minister to decide on how the area is developed and preserved as a national monument. The aim of this meeting is to assist him in hearing all of the views and coming to a final decision.

"The Committee regrets the fact that the owner of the site, Chartered Land, has declined an invitation to address the meeting. Representatives of the company were invited to attend the meeting and every effort was made to facilitate them. However, we were unable to meet Chartered Land's request to give its evidence in private session. Given the importance of the site, the Committee feels that this issue should be addressed in public.

"However, we feel our meeting tomorrow gives all of those with an interest in the site an opportunity to put their views on the public record and, as such, is a very valuable exercise."

(CD/GK)