State must act on 1916 National Monument

Minister Jimmy Deenihan’s decision to refuse to consent to development within the protected boundary of the 1916 National Monument, Moore Street/Moore Lane raises serious planning issues that need to be addressed in the public interest before consideration is given to any new application to develop this historic area.

These include: The failure of department personnel throughout the planning process, including pre planning discussions with the developer, to oppose, as a matter of principle, the proposed destruction of a National Monument; the failure by city planners and members of An Bord Pleanála to fully protect and preserve the 1916 monument as designated in the national interest; the failure of planning enforcement to act to protect the monument from falling into a state of decay and dereliction, despite constant monitoring by City Council officials; the involvement of Anglo Irish Bank in a private contractual arrangement between city management and Chartered Land that ignored City Council policy and tendering procedure; the extent to date of NAMA funding in support of a planning application that included the destruction of a monument that the State undertakes to preserve.

The minister has acted — State intervention must now follow to ensure the monument is independently assessed, restored and protected for future generations.