04/03/2026
I was delighted to represent the Dublin 1 business alliance at the oireachtas committee in relation to the 1916 Cultural Quarter Bill that Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh introduced to Dáil Éireann and received unanimous support by cross party elected representatives in March 2021.
I would hope that all cross party elected representatives would support and work to expedite this bill into legislation to finally put an end to the down grading policy that has been in place on Moore Street and its environs by private developers for way too long which has played a huge part in destroying our history, culture, heritage and the livelihoods of generational business and market traders who have kept Moore Street alive throughout a decade of neglect.
While some queries were raised in relation to the costs of CPOing the Moore street terrace, it’s important that all elected members understand that the legislation in this unique bill does not necessarily require the state to CPO the buildings , however the state would appoint a governing body under the bill who would dictate what usage policy and what adaptions can be made to the buildings considering their unique historic importance.
The story of 1916 is famous all over the world and something we should all be very proud of, Moore street is the birthplace of the republic and the correct plan for the area should be the implementation of a 1916 Cultural Quarter with usages like Irish speaking cafes, GAA shops, arts theatres promoting Irish culture, genealogy centre for the diaspora tracing their Irish roots, 1916 walking tour along the battlefield site which is still at present in tack , a stark contrast to the poor usages that currently occupy the iconic terrace buildings at present! A plan of restoration instead of the developer led plan of widescale demolition.
This is a unique opportunity for the government to do the right thing by Moore Street and for the generational businesses traders who reap
the consequences of a decade of neglect. A 12-15yr developer led plan will simply DESTROY our history, culture, heritage and our Livelihoods.