Newly unveiled proposals to redevelop O'Connell Street and Moore Street have been hailed as a "bright new dawn" for the city centre but campaigners have blasted the "outrageous" plan.
Plans unveiled today by developer Hammerson include two new civic squares, shops, offices, apartments, a hotel, metro station and a new east/west street which will allow pedestrian access between O’Connell Street and Moore Street.
There has been long-running resistance to redeveloping Moore Street due to its significance as a battle site of the 1916 Rising.
Dublin Lives: Meet Marie, a fruit and vegetable seller on Moore Street
Last year, the Court of Appeal overturned a ruling that buildings that formed part of the Hammerson site constituted a national monument.
The buildings at 14 to 17 Moore Street remain a national monument owned by the State and will be developed separately as a 1916 Rising Commemorative Centre.
Frank Allen of the Arms Around Moore Street Initiative said the redevelopment will "diminish the 1916 site".
He called for Numbers 10 to 25 to be protected and restored as a historic site.
Number 10 will be refurbished and used as a retail outlet under the Hammerson proposal.
"Number 10 is actually probably the most historic building in Ireland," said Frank.
Outrage as Cabra plaque to commemorate 1916 vandalised less than a month after it was unveiled
"That's the one where they tunnelled through. Everybody from the Pearse brothers, Tom Clarke, Connolly and Michael Collins were in that building.
"The idea that would be demolished is just outrageous."
Business group Dublin Chamber have welcomed the plans, saying they preserve the area’s history while "maximising the huge potential of the site".
Phoenix Park from A to Z: Here's a list of everything you can do in Dublin's largest green space
Head of Communications Graeme McQueen: "The north of O’Connell Street has been lying idle for far too long.
"O’Connell Street should be the jewel in the crown of Dublin.
"But over the past few decades it has become an area of huge frustrating for both businesses and locals.
Man behind some of world's most famous venues chosen as operator of Dame Street's Central Plaza
"The plan from Hammerson to redevelop the entire area is very welcome and has the potential to be the start of a bright new era for both O’Connell Street and the wider north city centre area.”
He added that the project would "breath new life" into the city centre.
He said: These moves are huge exciting for Dublin and for Dubliners.
"They provide reason for optimism that O’Connell Street will soon once again be a street that the city can be fully proud of."
