Sir, – James Heron Connolly (January 3rd) and the Save 16 Moore Street campaign may mean well, but one struggles to understand what they think they are saving. The buildings whose future has been the source of so much hand-wringing have been nothing but shells for many years, prevented from total collapse only by steel supports.
Even in their original state the Moore Street building were very ordinary shops and houses, devoid of any features of architectural interest. There is no purpose in preserving them in their present, unsafe and derelict condition, and very little benefit to be imagined in restoring them to their original state. Moore Street and its environs are already entirely different to the way they were in 1916, a state that cannot be restored by retaining a few redbrick ruins.
Arguments for preservation are based on the fact that the buildings sheltered some remnants of the rebel leadership for a few hours at the end of the 1916 Rising. However, the rebels are associated equally with many other locations. Conway’s pub on Parnell Street, now closed, is where the leaders met to plan the Rising and draft the famous proclamation. Their headquarters at the GPO was the scene of the longest occupation and heaviest fighting for the men who surrendered finally in Moore Street. The rebels also held Dublin Castle, St Stephen’s Green, Boland’s Mills and occupied any number of other sites at various times. Should the entire city be forever encased in aspic to placate 1916 nostalgics?
The best tribute to the rebels would be to see their vision of a just and prosperous Ireland come to pass. A real “freedom trail” would navigate a city of full employment, equal opportunity, good health and social harmony.
Instead, a few misplaced idealists are striving to prevent the renewal of what has long been one of the most deprived areas in the country. The retention of the Moore Street buildings argues for a return to the past, at a time when the whole country is crying out for a new future. – Yours, etc,
JOHN THOMPSON,
Shamrock Street,
Phibsboro, Dublin 7.