Dublin North East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

O'Toole backs call of 1916 relatives to Save Moore St.

Published: 1 February, 2010

Relatives of the 1916 leaders at Leinster House on 19 January (left to right) Muriel McAuley, relative of Thomas McDonagh, Helen Litton, relative of Tom Clarke, Honor Ó Brolcháin, relative of Joseph Plunkett, Jim Connolly Heron, grandson of James Connoll

Relatives of the 1916 leaders at Leinster House on 19 January (left to right) Muriel McAuley, relative of Thomas McDonagh, Helen Litton, relative of Tom Clarke, Honor Ó Brolcháin, relative of Joseph Plunkett, Jim Connolly Heron, grandson of James Connoll

Relatives of the leaders of the 1916 Rising have called for the rejection of plans to build a huge shopping mall taking in much of Moore St. and destroying historic buildings associated with the Rising.

Councillor Larry O'Toole attended a briefing for elected representatives by the Save Moore St. Campaign in Leinster House on 19 January.

The 'Chartered Land' development company wants to demolish much of Moore St. and the yards and lanes behind it to build their shopping centre. But it was in 16 Moore St. and neighbouring houses that the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic held its last meetings, including Pádraig Pearse, James Connolly, Tom Clarke and Seán MacDiarmada. Irish Volunteers died in the fighting in these lanes and houses and from here they marched out to surrender to the British.

Cllr. O'Toole said:

"This part of our national heritage must not be destroyed. We want to see these houses and their surroundings preserved and made into a museum commemorating the brave men and women who fought and died for Irish freedom in 1916. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I on the City Council will continue to support the Save Moore St. Campaign and the 1916 relatives in this struggle."