DESCENDANTS OF the leaders of the 1916 Rising are calling for the Government to compulsorily purchase the Carlton Cinema site near the GPO, saying it is of historical national importance.
The site is owned by developer Joe O’Reilly, with the loans associated with it controlled by Nama.
The relatives say some of the site forms part of the evacuation route taken by a number of the 1916 rebels from the GPO to Moore Street and should be preserved. They are also calling for a cultural and historic quarter to be established between 14 and 17 Moore Street, where some leaders of the Rising and several of the garrison met for the last time. The houses were designated as national monuments in 2007.
James Connolly Heron, great-grandson of James Connolly, said plans for the site would involve gutting the Moore Street houses, whereas the relatives wanted an “Anne Frank house approach; that whatever was there in 1916 must be kept intact”. He said the Government should now act to acquire the site.
“There is an extant compulsory purchase order on the entire site, so any portion of it could be compulsorily purchased tomorrow if there was a will to do that.”
Last month Minister for Heritage Jimmy Deenihan said his department was currently consulting with the National Museum regarding an application by the developer of the site, which includes a plan to incorporate a commemorative centre at 16 Moore Street, a decision on which would be made as soon as possible.
A spokesman for Nama said any proposals would be a matter for the owner of a property and not Nama itself.