Madam, – The news that An Bord Pleanála is insisting on major changes to the proposed plan for the Carlton site before a final decision is made is heartening (Home News, August 13th).
Members of the Save Moore Street Campaign, supported by relatives of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation, have long held the view that this area is of great historical importance, not only to the capital but to the nation, and should only be developed in this light.
Bord Pleanála does not directly address the proposed infringement of the national monument of up to 60 per cent of its designated area and the demolition of its protected structures under this plan. Consideration should now be given to taking the national monument into public ownership in order to guarantee its future security and preservation – followed by public debate regarding its development and that of the surrounding area.
The views of the National Museum, the Office of Public Works, the Heritage Council, An Taisce and others must be ascertained as part of this process. The development must be carried out in accordance with recommendations such as those in the Shaffrey Report, commissioned by Dublin City Council in 2005 and the guidelines from the Department of the Environment. This would ensure that the surrounding area is developed in sympathy with the national monument.
The expertise of public bodies will ensure that the existing elements of the site will not be lost, but will be enhanced and developed to benefit our Nation whose life began on this very ground. – Yours, etc,
JAMES CONNOLLY HERON,
Oxford Road,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.