Sir, – , Please allow me space to enlighten John Thompson’s understanding of what we “think we are saving” in relation to the planned obliteration of the Moore Street area (January 6th). For a start, according to the National Museum (in a letter to Minister for Arts and Heritage Jimmy Deenihan), “the most important historic site in modern Irish history that if properly and sensitively developed could rank with famous historic sites around the world as Dublin’s historic quarter”.
The only buildings that lie derelict and abandoned are those at 14 to 17 Moore Street designated in 2007 as the 1916 National Monument and under the private ownership of Chartered Land since 2005. All other buildings associated with the retreat from the GPO are occupied and in use today. It is not true to say that they have no architectural features. Numbers 14 to 17 are listed for preservation not only on historical grounds but also because they do contain important 18th-century elements. Incredibly no other building in the area has been internally examined or assessed. The buildings did not simply shelter “some remnants of the rebel’s leadership”. The Moore Street terrace was the last HQ of the 1916 Provisional Government of the Irish Republic. This was the location where six of the leaders – five of whom were signatories to the Proclamation – spent their last hours of freedom before their execution by firing squad. The terrace is their only extant meeting place that has not been altered or destroyed through redevelopment. For some of us this is sacred ground.
The 1916 Proclamation was not drawn up in Conway’s public house. It was, of course, agreed and signed in 21 Henry Street. Conway’s is the location of the signing of documents of a somewhat different nature in recent times – the brown envelope kind. It is listed for preservation – somebody in authority has, it can be said, at the very least, an ironic sense of humour.
I heartily agree that the best tribute to the rebels would be to see that their vision comes to pass. How to best achieve that is the question? Hardly by a dismissal of the past or the planned demolition of our lasting physical links to the event in our history that led to our independence. These historic locations and buildings are not ours to destroy or hand over for private commercial gain. As part of our history and heritage they are held in trust for future generations. We do not argue for a return to the past – we can however plan our future based on our past – our honourable past, that is. – Yours, etc,
JAMES CONNOLLY
HERON,
Concerned Relatives
of the Signatories to
the 1916 Proclamation,
Oxford Road,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.