A chara, - The National Graves Association would like to appeal to the Government to intervene on the proposals by Dublin City Council to demolish 16 Moore Street, Dublin, last headquarters of the Provisional Government.
This Easter Sunday a number of organisations will commemorate the men and women of 1916 throughout the country. In Arbour Hill the Government will honour the executed leaders. Interestingly enough, six of the executed men were present in 16 Moore Street.
Many at Arbour Hill will wear their grandfather's medals, a somewhat questionable decision. Their bit done, the medals will then be safely put away for another year!
The National Graves Association calls on the citizens of Ireland to make a stand regarding this building. This is our culture; this building is of national importance. While Dublin City Council believes that 16 Moore Street is of limited historical importance, we argue to the contrary. If this building was in any other country it would be regarded as a national treasure.
The last council of war took place here, five of the signatories to the Proclamation were present and the surrender note by Padraic Pearse (acquired by the National Library in 1966) was written here .
If this is of limited historical importance I shudder to think what would happen if Dublin City Council unearthed another Wood Quay. - Is mise,
MATT DOYLE, National Graves Association, 74 Dame Street, Dublin 2.