The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has announced that the Government has approved the development of the 1916 Commemorative Centre at 14-17 Moore Street.

The project is now set to proceed to the main construction tender stage and the subsequent appointment of a preferred contractor.

The project, which will be carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW), involves the creation of a National Monument and Commemorative Centre. The scope of the work includes:

• The conservation of the National Monument buildings located at 14-17 Moore Street.

• The development of the space at 8-9 Moore Lane to create a cultural venue and visitor building, featuring public exhibition space, curatorial facilities, and a resource for the local community.

Acquired by the Government in 2015, the buildings at 14-17 Moore Street are of significant historical importance as the final headquarters of the 1916 Rising leaders and the location where the decision to surrender was made. A contractor is expected to be appointed this year, with on-site work beginning as soon as possible thereafter.

Minister Browne stated: "I am delighted today to announce further progress on this project. The National Monument site at 14-17 Moore Street not only sits in the centre of Dublin but also at the heart of our national story and who we are. With funding from my Department and the expertise of the OPW, we will rightly restore this site to prominence and create a space that sensitively reflects our history and commemorates the legacy of the Easter Rising. I look forward to work beginning on the site as soon as possible and to finally ensuring we have a fitting monument to the men and women of 1916 on Moore Street which is open to all our citizens."

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Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, added: "This decision marks a significant milestone in delivering on the Government's commitment to honour and preserve one of the most important sites in our national history. The advancement of the 1916 Commemorative Centre to the main construction tender stage demonstrates our determination to see this project brought to fruition as quickly as possible."

The project is also viewed as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of Dublin's north inner city. Minister of State for Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan, noted: "Through restoring these buildings and creating a commemorative space, we want to provide opportunities to allow the public and future generations to engage with the events of the revolutionary period and recognise their impacts on the formation of modern Ireland and its people. Equally, this project will form part of the wider regeneration of this historic area of north inner city and will complement other plans to improve our capital city."

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, concluded: "The Office of Public Works is proud to advance this landmark project at National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street, one of the most significant historic sites in our national story. As the State body entrusted with the care of Ireland's National Monuments, the OPW has led the detailed conservation planning and design work to ensure these buildings are restored with the sensitivity and respect they deserve. I look forward to seeing works commence and to the delivery of a vibrant cultural and visitor space that will appropriately commemorate the legacy of 1916 and serve the public for generations to come."