Plans to open historic buildings as Easter Rising visitor centre may take years
Junior Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has informed the Dáil that while the project is a priority for his Government, it wasn't yet possible to say when it would be open to the public.
The buildings at 14-17 Moore Street have been at the centre of a major campaign to preserve them due to their historical significance to the 1916 Rising.
The buildings were the headquarters of the Provisional Irish Government, and it is where a number of signatories of the Irish proclamation, including James Connolly and Patrick Pearse, surrendered from.
The Government previously decided to accept the recommendations of the Moore Street Advisory Group to move ahead with a project to conserve the buildings and open it as a visitor site. However, Minister Moran admitted it was still too early to say when that would happen. Kevin "Boxer" Moran
Under questioning from Sinn Féin TD, Aengus O Snodaigh, Minister Moran said: 'It is not possible, in advance of the approval of Ministerial Consent, to be precise about the timing of construction works; however, the project at Moore Street is a priority and it is anticipated that there will be meaningful progress onsite in 2026.'
Deputy O'Snodaigh said there were concerns about dry rot other causes for the rotting of fabrics in the structure of the national monument .
Mr Moran said: 'In response to concerns about fabric deterioration, including issues such as dry rot and timber decay, the OPW has engaged specialist consultants in historic timber, plaster, and wallpaper conservation.
'These experts have conducted targeted surveys and provided professional guidance to identify and mitigate risks to the buildings' most vulnerable features. These reports inform interim protective measures and I can assure the Deputy that the buildings are being carefully maintained and protected.'
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