A fundamental link between modern-day Dublin and its revolutionary past is under severe threat. Here is why saving Moore Street is important and what you can do to help.
Moore Street is quintessential Dublin. Since its creation, street markets have played a fundamental role in the city’s functioning. Moore Street itself has become a regular fixture in the city’s architecture since the 18th-century.
Moore Street has also become synonymous with revolutionary Ireland, as this is where the 1916 Rebels and Leaders spent their final moments before the surrender was issued to British forces. Therefore, the street that rests closely to O’Connell Street is locked to our pivotal past.
This tie with history is under threat, as plans have been approved to transform much of the street and strip it of its heritage. There is widespread political and societal opposition to the move, and there are ways to assist.
Here is why saving Moore Street is important and what you can do to help.
Plans to demolish the street – a new public plaza?
At the end of June 2022, Dublin City Council approved plans by Hammerson, a British commercial property company, to demolish the existing buildings within Moore Street and Moore Lane to construct a new public plaza.
The company are labelling the plans the ‘Dublin Central Project’, and Hammerson has described it as a ‘landmark development’ for Dublin.
Dublin City Council had already permitted two proposals by the company earlier in the year; one to include a new residential, hotel, shopping, dining, and workspace use, and the other to include a public square.
The latest approval now relates to the land between Moore Street and Moore Lane to include offices, restaurants, and cafes.
While development in a city is always welcomed, there are times when the heritage of a city should not be threatened, and this is one of the times.
Why saving Moore Street is important – indelible ties to the rebels of 1916
The 1916 Easter Rising is one of the most, if not the most, pivotal moments in Irish history. It preceded the War of Independence and the creation of the Irish Free State in what were a tumultuous but transformative six years.
It is, therefore, absolutely vital that we preserve any links to this time that we can. This is just one reason why saving Moore Street is important.
While the GPO was in flames as the Rising reached its conclusion, several Irish rebels, including the O’Rahilly, were shot and killed along Moore Street.
Then, in a show of ingenuity, around 300 rebels broke into 10 Moore Street and fashioned a tunnel along the walls of the terraced houses. The last headquarters of the rebels was housed at 16 Moore Street.
Leaders took the decision to surrender and put an end to the Easter Rising here, in this very spot: 16 Moore Street, in the heart of Dublin City.
Opposition to the plans to develop Moore Street – widespread anger at the proposals
Numbers 14-17 of Moore Street have been designated a national monument. The decision to grant permission to demolish and upend Moore Street and its precious heritage has faced consistent opposition from both politicians and campaigners.
The Hammerson plan received a total of 50 objections. A lot of these included local businesses and politicians, including Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Former President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams, and Dublin MEPs Ciaran Cuffe and Clare Daly also spoke out against the plans.
The National Museum of Ireland dubbed Moore Street “the most important historic site in modern Irish history”. Little remains of the shadows of the 1916 Easter Rising. So, the decision to demolish Moore Street would leave a dark cloud over Dublin history.
Just this week, a butcher on Moore Street lodged an appeal against the €500 million plans. This has stalled the final phase of the planned developments.
How you can help – join the campaign to save Moore Street
Join the heritage groups in their plan to appeal the decision to grant planning permission. Follow the Save Moore Street from Demolition page and add your voice and energy.
Join the call by 1916 relatives to oppose the plans. James Connolly Heron responded to the January decision to grant permission to initial Hammerson plans. On behalf of The Moore Street Preservation Trust, he voiced his “deep disappointment”.
Join the lobbying. Join the calls. Attend the public protests and demonstrations. Play your part in protecting Ireland’s heritage and ensure that the history of a century ago remains alive today.
