Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the announcement of major investment in national commemoration projects, including Richmond Barracks by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD.

A €22m national investment has been allocated for major national commemoration projects in 2015.

She said: "I am delighted with the announcement that funding has been made available to refurbish the historical gym on the site of Richmond Barracks in Inchicore. I am privileged to have been appointed to the board that will oversee the refurbishment of the Barracks in collaboration with Dublin City Council and I am confident that it will vastly improve the facilities available at the site.

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"The gym in Richmond Barracks is badly in need of refurbishment and investment; this is an issue that has long been on the back burner. The historical significance of this building is immense, as Richmond Barracks is the location where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were court-martialled before their execution in Kilmainham Gaol.

"As we approach the centenary of the Easter Rising this investment is a particularly poignant tribute to the idealism of the people who fought for independence in 1916. Sites such as Richmond Barracks are precious amenities and invaluable in contributing to Irish history."

(CD/JP)