Irish Republican News · March 21, 2011

Heritage plan sought for Dublin city centre

Dublin Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh has called for the establishment of a 1916 Quarter encompassing the GPO and the historic buildings on Moore Street and for a Ceathru Gaelteachta [Irish speaking quarter] to develop the Irish language in the city.

Deputy O Snodaigh said the global interest in Ireland on St Patrick’s Day was evidence of the potential of Irish heritage and culture attractions.

“Sinn Fein is calling for the establishment of a 1916 Quarter in the city by developing and maintaining a new cultural quarter encompassing the GPO and the historic buildings on Moore Street. This quarter would then be a base for historical and cultural tourism in the city,” he said.

“And we also want to see the establishment of a Ceathru Gaelteachta to develop the Irish language in the city. Services for Irish speakers and learners could be concentrated on this area to create a critical mass and a new hub for economic activity and employment.

“The global interest in Ireland on St Patrick’s Day is evidence of the potential for our tourism industry if the Government is prepared to invest in it.

“Our Ministers across the globe tomorrow must focus on building important trade links but they should also be in a position to promote Ireland as a tourist destination and we feel developments such as the 1916 quarter and An Ceathru Gaelteachta in Dublin could go a long way in attracting visitors from abroad.”

Earlier this month, relatives of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation met to express their opposition to developer Joe O’Reilly’s plans for the redevelopment of the Carlton site, which surrounds the national monument houses on Moore Street that were occupied by the leaders of the 1916 Rising.

Mr O’Reilly was last year granted permission for a large-scale development to include retail and residential units, restaurants and car spaces. He is one of the first 10 developers who went into state protection under the NAMA agency.

He was also named as one of 10 Anglo Irish Bank ‘golden circle’ who were encouraged to borrow from the bank in order to buy shares in the bank.

Members of the Connolly, Clarke, Ceannt, MacDonagh and Plunkett families have met NAMA chairman to oppose the development.

They are particularly concerned that demolition began last Christmas on buildings on Moore Lane, backing on to Moore Street, that were also occupied by leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

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