James Connolly Heron, the great-grandson of 1916 leader James Connolly, recently visited the historic properties on Moore Street, used as headquarters during the Easter Rising, and was disgusted with what he found. He found the building to look worse than before the protection order was issued in 2007.

He explained “All protected buildings and structures that form part of the national monument are dilapidated and endangered. The condition of the very room where my great-grandfather and five other leaders of the Rising spent their last hours of freedom before their execution is beyond belief.”

He told the Irish Examiner “This is where the momentous decision to surrender was taken. This historic room is in a ruinous condition, with water ingress, rotting floors, and decayed plaster work. The intact walls are covered in graffiti. Those responsible for its preservation and upkeep should hang their heads in shame.”

Jimmy Deenihan, heritage minister, is reviewing a proposal to demolish part of the building.  Connolly Heron is calling for Deenihan to intervene and stop the planned construction in the area. 

Earlier this month in a Dublin City Council meeting, the protection of the site was discussed and looked into. A committee was formed to study the case suggested that the construction plans should halt for now and that Deenihan shouldn’t give consent for any work. 

The committee explained, “There is no indication that works will commence on the overall development in the near future. It is possible that the large scale development which has planning permission may never take place in its current form.”