The Minister for Arts and Heritage has refused to rule out if she is to appeal a High Court decision to declare the Moore Street Battlefield Site in Dublin a National Monument.

The ruling, which came into effect on 20 May this year, prevents the destruction of the site.

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín confirmed he had asked Minister Heather Humphreys whether she intended to appeal the decision, however she said she is actively considering her next step.

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Mr Tóibín said: "It would be an absolute travesty that such important sections of this historical site in the 100th anniversary of the 1916 rising would be floored to make way for a shopping centre. The Minister is the Minister for Heritage and therefore has responsibilities for its protection; not ruling this out highlights the real threat that this site is still under.

"It's also important that the Minister take cognisance of the fact that her government is in a minority on this issue and needs to respect the wishes of the Dáil also. We also want the Minister to declare that NAMA will not fund an appeal on behalf of Chartered Lands."

(CD/LM)