The birth of our nation largely happened in and around Dublin’s Moore Street. And yesterday, a group of concerned citizens took the government to court in a bid to stop the demolition of some of the buildings on that street.

The State has undertaken none of the buildings at issue, some of which are earmarked for demolition, will be demolished once the necessary steps are taken for an urgent hearing of the case early next month.

James Heron Connolly, great grandson of 1916 Rising Leader James Connolly, spoke to Neil Delamere on the Anton Savage Show about the 16 year battle to Save Moore Street. LISTEN HERE: 

He updates Neil on what’s happening with the court case, just why dozens are occupying buildings on Moore Street and why the government need to take decisive action to preserve the entire terrace for the good of the nation and not allow four buildings stand on a street in splendid isolation surrounded by a new shopping centre.

He said the court day could be a “very significant day” in the history of Ireland and says the entire terrace and the side streets around it are the most important historical location in modern Irish history. He wants to see a cultural quarter, not a commercial quarter with a token interpretive centre/museum. This is a debate which is sure to rage on over the next year.

For more on the 1916 relatives see here and you can check out Save Moore Street on Facebook www.facebook.com/savemoorestreetdublin

James Heron Connolly speaking on Dublin's Moore Street