SIPTU the union has been called to consider acquiring the former Emmet Hall in Inchicore after it was revealed the owner is currently seeking planning permission to substantially alter its historic fabric.

Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said it would be appropriate given its strong links to the labour history of Ireland.

He said: "Emmet Hall played a central role in the Lock Out and in preparation for the 1916 Rising and also an important part in the cultural life of Inchicore and was used for sport, socials, céilithe and Irish classes until it closed as a hall in the late 1920s.

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"The building was first purchased by ITGWU leader Jim Larkin in 1913 for use as a union hall. The future city councillor William Partridge was the first manager of the hall and he ensured that during the Lock Out the hall was central to the activities of the local locked out Tram workers.

"This historic building should be preserved in recognition of its central role in both the labour and revolutionary movements of the early 20thCentury and not have its guts ripped out of it and three new three storey houses build in the yard where the Irish Citizen Army drilled just over 100 years ago."

(CD/MH)