Dublin South Central TD and Sinn Féin Culture spokesperson, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has described as “welcome” the decision of a review that a new Ministerial Consent must be sought before any further developments proceed at Moore Street.

A decision circulated by the National Monuments Service today outlined that, as a result of a review by the Design Team for the 14/17 Moore Street project, “it has been decided that OPW need to apply to the Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage for a new Ministerial Consent under the National Monuments Act; additionally, they also need to factor some changes to the project in terms of how it will relate to the surrounding area.”

Teachta Ó Snodaigh responded:

“This decision provides Minister Darragh O’Brien with a welcome opportunity to revisit the entire concept behind the plans for Moore Street. This is a matter of such national importance that not only should the Minister’s consent be sought again, but the view of the Dáil should also hold sway.

“In 2021, the Dáil unanimously passed my Ceathrú Cultúir 1916 Bill to protect the 1916 battle site and historic street market as a Culture Quarter, which would breathe new life into the North Inner City and facilitate the ambitious plans put forward by relatives of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation as part of the Moore Street Preservation Trust.

“It would be an insult to the Dáil if a plan were allowed to proceed to destroy this unique heritage and sacred ground to the benefit of private developers after members from all parties and none united to allow my Bill to proceed, which would protect the site from such a threat.

“In light of this, I call on Minister O’Brien to come before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss the matter before any decision is made on a new Ministerial Consent.”