Citizens' group launch own 2016 commemoration plans

A new group has announced plans to hold three national events to mark 100 years since the Easter Rising.

A national parade of celebration will be held in April 2016, along with a national seminar in the spring of next year.

The new group, 'Reclaim the Vision of 1916 - a citizens initiative' have criticised the Government for not releasing an official state programme to mark the 1916 commemoration.

Irish artist, Robert Ballagh, who chaired today's launch event said the citizen's initiative aims to ensure the centenary is properly commemorated:

"None of us can see or decipher a real programme yet … how long can we wait for this?

"We're not setting up in opposition to the Government or … deliberately to challenge the Government - we're just determined that this event will be properly commemorated in 2016."

Meanwhile, Jim Connolly-Heron, great grandson of James Connolly, said it is disappointing that the government has not yet launched an official programme.

"It's extraordinary that we're a little over a year away now from the celebration of the pivotal event in our history and to date there's no Official state programme," he said.

"It's imperative that a programme of events is drawn up now, as a matter of urgency."