Taoiseach Urged To Protect Moore Street Monuments

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been urged to protect the 1916 National Monument on Moore Street and to ensure the removal of buildings at 14 to 17 from the proposed auction of the loan portfolio of disgraced developer, Joe O'Reilly.

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, made the calling during the launch of the re-enactment of the famous 1915 funeral of Jeremiah O'Donavan Rossa.

"The re-enactment of the funeral of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa will be the first event in Sinn Féin's 1916 Centenary Commemorations Programme. It is going to be a truly memorable occasion for those taking part and watching as we recreate history and walk in the footsteps of the leaders of the 1916 Rising," Mr Adams said.

"In 2015 Sinn Féin wants this event to be a call to remember in a meaningful way the spirit, vision and bravery of the Volunteers of 1916. We will re-enact this seminal point in Irish history 100 years to the day of the original event on Saturday, 1st August 2015.

"Sinn Féin is pleased that the Government now also plans an event to re-enact the O'Donovan Rossa funeral. No such plan featured in the Government's original Programme of Events so we do welcome this development and the involvement of President Michael D Higgins. However, Sinn Fein's is primarily a popular and citizens-based event and we are encouraging the widest possible involvement of the general public."

Addressing the Moore Street issue Mr Adams said:

"Sinn Féin views with deep concern the proposed auction of the 'Project Jewel' loan portfolio of disgraced developed Joe O'Reilly. This portfolio includes the 1916 National Monument at 14 to 17 Moore Street, which has been described as 'the most important historic site in Irish history' by the National Museum.

"Sinn Féin has this week made formal request to Taoiseach Enda Kenny for the protection of the 1916 National Monument. This is a key part of our history and heritage, yet NAMA has refused to meet with the Cross Party Oireachtas Moore Street Committee members.

"To sell it off to private investors, who will have little regard to its significance beyond its commercial potential, is entirely unacceptable. The 1916 Battlefield site must be protected. The 1916 'freedom quarter' must be removed from the NAMA property portfolio. It cannot be allowed to become a shopping centre as had been planned.

"This historic and cultural significance of this site far outweighs any commercial gain. As we move into the Centenary of one of the defining moments of Irish history, I am asking the Taoiseach to act swiftly and decisively to defend our national heritage."

(MH)