1916 Moore Street Site Must be Preserved
Crowe whose Grandfather Patrick was in the republican Fianna scouts at the time and a Tan War Veteran said that saner heads have prevailed and that decision opened up huge opportunities for the battlefield site and the 1916 revolutionary quarter. Crowe said:
“It is a forward step and very welcome that Dublin City Council, by majority decision, rejected a proposal to swap land, in a deal which would have seen most of the historic Moore Street terrace demolished. Thankfully saner heads have prevailed and there is now a real opportunity to move forward with positive plans to preserve the battlefield site.
The land swap proposal is now finished as is the developers idea of a shopping mall that would cover the site area.
“Moore Street in Dublin and the laneways between it with the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, form the most important battlefield site in modern Irish history. It is on this street and in the laneways behind it that the course of Irish history was changed in Easter Week 1916.
“Parts of the area is currently like an open sewer and it is constant reminder of successive Governments failure to appreciate and honour the sacrifice of these brave men and women, the visionaries of 1916.
“With the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising fast approaching, the cause of conserving and securing this site is even more urgent and the families of the heroic men and women of 1916 who have been campaigning on this important issue deserve our full and active support.
“The site needs to be restored and could be used to teach the present and future generations about the ideals, aspirations and events of 1916. It also has huge global historical, cultural and tourism potential. It is also an integral part of 1916 revolutionary quarter that should be developed.
“It is now vital that a full and independent battlefield site survey is carried out. It is also essential and appropriate that Minister, Heather Humphreys brings together all concerned, particularly relatives, to come up with a new plan to protect, preserve and develop this historic quarter of our city for all the future generations of Irish people.”