A design team has been appointed for an extensive regeneration programme on the north side of the city, which has been welcomed by local politicians.
Hammerson, the team behind the new Dublin Central scheme, have appointed three architecture firms to draw up designs for the new scheme, which is set on a six-acre site bordered by O’Connell Street, Henry Street, Moore Street and Parnell Street.
Initial plans for the space include workspaces, residential buildings,a hotel, restaurant and retail uses set within new pedestrian links and public spaces.
Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick has said she welcomes the appointment of a design team to the ‘hugely ambitious project’, but calls for the Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan to commit to funding a national monument museum and commemoration site on Moore Street.
Sen. Fitzpatrick said: “I would like to call on the Minister for Heritage to visit the National Monument Site and to commit public funding for the creation of a national monument museum and commemoration. The redevelopment of this site is critical to the regeneration of O’Connell Street and the entire North Inner City.
“It is important that the redevelopment of the site protects and enhances the National Monument on Moore Street. The proposed redevelopment has the potential for up to 9,400 construction jobs and up to 2,500 when the development is complete.”
Councillor for the North Inner City, Nial Ring, also welcomed yesterday’s announcement, whilst echoing Sen. Fitzpatrick’s concern that the Moore Street battlefield site is properly commemorated in the development.
Cllr Ring said: “Having met the Hammerson‘s team when they presented to the Ministerial Moore Street Consultative Group, of which I am a member, it is clear that they have an understanding of the issues surrounding the preservation and enhancement of the historic and iconic Moore Street 1916 battlefield site, and are also very aware of the absolute need to address the involvement of the Moore Street traders whose future in the street must be of paramount importance.
“Putting this understanding and appreciation into an agreed plan will be the challenge for not only Hammerson, but for local politicians, Moore Street traders and the many organisations involved in the preservation of the Moore Street battlefield site, to ensure our history and heritage is given due recognition within any development.
“The project, Dublin Central, is a very real opportunity to regenerate this long neglected part of town.
“In post-Covid Dublin, I would hope that people will start coming back into the city centre to shop, socialise and work and this development will greatly add to the offering, including a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the part Moore Street played in the fight for Irish Freedom in 1916.”
