Activists occupy building in Dublin linked to the 1916 Rising to protest at a proposed future development.
Last November work began on numbers 14 to 17 Moore Street with the aim of restoring them in time for the centenary celebrations of the Easter Rising.
These buildings served as headquarters for the rebels during the Easter Rising of 1916, when they were forced to leave the GPO (General Post Office). They are owned by the State and subject to a preservation order.
The houses form part of a terrace, which the group known as Save Moore Street From Demolition says is of historical significance.
Protestor Damien Farrell believes that numbers 18 and 19 Moore Street are being prepared for demolition. It is this uncertainty around the future of the property that led to the occupation of the buildings last night.
That's why we occupied the place.
A group of relatives of people who fought in 1916 are also opposed to the development proposal for the buildings. They maintain that the government is going with the developer’s plan.
Proinsias Ó Rathaille of the Save 16 Moore Street Committee and grandson of The O'Rahilly is not happy with the government's approach.
It’s not in their mandate just to come along and just demolish buildings.
Lord Mayor of Dublin City Críona Ní Dhálaigh of Sinn Féin called on Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to halt the works.
In a statement Minister Heather Humphreys said the occupation poses risks to the buildings, and expressed her disappointment regarding subsequent delays to the restroration work.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 January 2016. The reporter is John Kilraine.
