Speaking following a meeting between the Cross-Party Committee and Minister Jimmy Deenihan in Dublin on Tuesday, she called on him to recognise the potential of a wider Historical Quarter taking in the Moore Street–O'Connell Street area.
She said: "We sought this meeting as a cross-party group this afternoon following the Minister's decision last week to grant consent for preservation work on the national monument to discuss the ramifications of his decision, and the wider issues relating to the site.
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"We recognise that there are positive aspects to the minister's announcement. Last week I was among a delegation of TDs who visited the site, and I was appalled at the state of neglect and dereliction of the monument. It is positive that the national monument is to be preserved and restored and the extensive destruction of a great part of the monument sought by Chartered Land is now off the table.
"We are also pleased that there is to be a commemorative centre and that the proposed underground car park is refused. However, considerable concerns remain.
"Apart from 14-17 Moore St, that is the national monument, the remainder of the Moore St terrace is to be demolished.
"The minister is claiming that he has done all he can to safeguard the site, however he is confining his remit to the national monument alone. As the Heritage Minister he has overall responsibility to preserve this historic area, taking in the full battlefield site. He has the legislative power to intervene and provide protection to these other buildings and streets.
"I believe there is huge potential for the development of an Historic 1916 Quarter encompassing the entire Moore Street/O’Connell Street area. This could become a huge tourist attraction, would be an asset to the Irish people, and could help regenerate that part of the North Inner City."
(CD/JP)
