Sinn Féin fears for Easter Rising buildings

Sinn Féin has called for Dáil support to save historic 1916 buildings on Dublin’s Moore Street.

Campaigners believe a new retail complex may threaten 14-17 Moore Street – the last refuge of Easter Rising rebels who were fighting in the GPO.

Sinn Féin has drafted the Bill which it hopes will be supported by the Greens, Fine Gael and Labour.

“This was the last headquarters of the GPO garrison before the Rising leaders decided to surrender,” said TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

“If the Government implements this Bill, it could save from destruction the final resting place of the leaders of the 1916 Rising.”

The site has been declared a national monument but campaigners believe the retail and residential development around the site could cause major damage to the buildings.

Sinn Féin currently has no Dáil slot to table Private Members’ Bills so it is calling on Opposition parties to share their time to put forward the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009.

“This is major issue which is firmly in the national interest and the whole Dáil should be engaged,” added Mr Ó Snodaigh.

“With the centenary coming up in 2016, it is vitally important that we take a stand now.

“Every other country protects its national monuments or buildings associated with the foundation of its state.

“This is a last-gasp attempt to safeguard these buildings for the benefit of future generations.”