UK property group Hammerson’s €500 million redevelopment of the Dublin city centre plot stretching from O’Connell Street to Moore Street has been given the green light by Dublin City Council.
Responding to the approval of Hammerson’s application for redevelopment, Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has sharply criticised the decision, saying it is ‘shameful’ a British property developer was prioritised over Heritage in the redevelopment of a 1916 battleground.
“It is a damning indictment of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that for the last 10 years the birthplace of the Irish Republic was turned into a latrine, where people urinate and defecate and where traders are assaulted,” Deputy Tóibín said.
“Today’s announcement is just the latest affirmation of long standing government policy: to prioritise corporate interests of international vulture funds, over the founding heritage of the Irish Republic.
“The Hammerson applications proposes a mixture of retail, residential and office redevelopments for the site. It actually plans to break the Moore St Terrace and change the nature of the street”.
“Moore Street battlefield site was the location of the final stand of many of the volunteers who fought in the GPO in 1916. It is a National Monument. Yet consent has been granted by Planners without due consideration to relevant survey reports.
“Planners have ignored views of the elected members to have Nos. 10 to 25 Moore Street listed. They have even ignored the Department’s call for a redesign by Hammerson. Its incredible to think that FF and FG are standing idly by and allow this to happen.
“The Ministers in this government would not be Minsters today if it were not for the sacrifice of the men and women of 1916. Moore St is still a battlefield site. There is a battle between the corporate interests of international funds and the people of Ireland who are doing their best to maintain this key element of our heritage. Shockingly the government is firmly with the Corporate interests”.
“Moore Street should represent an opportunity.
“It could be an engine of renewal in the north inner city.
“It could be a cultural hub that breathes new life into the area west of O’Connell St where historical, cultural, Irish language and commercial interests could operate successfully side by side.
“A rejuvenated street market could be developed to rival the great outdoor markets across other European cities. Instead, now, it is likely the history of Moore Street will be buried underneath office blocks and apartment complexes.
“I would urge the government to amend this decision to ensure that the history and heritage of Moore Street is the priority in redevelopment, not just an afterthought in the pursuit of profit.”