A Chara, - We wish to express concern at the recent proposals to redevelop the Carlton site on O'Connell Street. In January 2007 the then minister for the environment, Dick Roche, decided to preserve six buildings in Moore Street as a national monument. The €1 billion euro "Park in the Sky" development would not only infringe on the national monument, but spell the end of one of Dublin's most famous Streets, Moore Street.
The recent opening of the Battle of the Boyne site demonstrates the importance that the present Government attaches to certain aspects of our country's culture and heritage. The impressive Office of Public Works website details the many facilities, exhibitions and guided tours of the battle site. Moore Street too was a battle site; not only in the minds of Republicans is it significant, but also in the minds of the ordinary people of Dublin and the many tourists who visit the area daily.
In 2016 we will mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. This site should not become a speculators' paradise; it should be retained in its original form for the people of Ireland. We are not against progress, but we favour the enhancement of our national identity by the preservation of key monuments. With a little bit of imagination we could be looking at an Office of Public Works website detailing the Moore Street battle site, the last headquarters of the Provisional Government, the laneway where O'Rahilly fell, and much more. To cap all this, the area could still be a working market, with the full restoration of Moore Street.
We welcome the setting up of the Dublin City Centre Alliance
Group, the first time that members of various conservation groups
have come together since the Wood Quay campaign. Is history to
repeat itself? - Is mise,
MATT DOYLE,
National Graves Association,
Dame Street,
Dublin 2.