Minister Browne announces National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street to commemorate 1916 Rising will progress to tender stage and construction
- Published on: 19 February 2026
- Last updated on: 19 February 2026
Minister James Browne TD and Ministers of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD, John Cummins TD and Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD mark the next stage for the national monument
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD today announced that the Government has approved the development of a 1916 Commemorative Centre at 14-17 Moore Street to proceed to the main construction tender stage and, subsequently, to the preferred contractor.
Funding has been earmarked for the project to be carried out by the OPW to create a Commemorative Centre and National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street, incorporating:
- the conservation of the National Monument buildings at 14-17 Moore Street, and
- the use of the space to the rear of the Monument, at 8-9 Moore Lane, for the creation of a complementary visitor and cultural venue building providing curatorial facilities, public exhibition space, and a community resource.
It is expected that a contractor will be appointed this year, and work will start on site as soon as possible afterwards.
Speaking today, Minister Browne emphasised:
“I am delighted today to announce further progress on this project. The National Monument site at 14-17 Moore Street not only sits in the centre of Dublin but also at the heart of our national story and who we are. With funding from my Department and the expertise of the OPW, we will rightly restore this site to prominence and create a space that sensitively reflects our history and commemorates the legacy of the Easter Rising.
“I look forward to work beginning on the site as soon as possible and to finally ensuring we have a fitting monument to the men and women of 1916 on Moore Street which is open to all our citizens.”
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD said:
“This decision marks a significant milestone in delivering on the Government’s commitment to honour and preserve one of the most important sites in our national history. The advancement of the 1916 Commemorative Centre to the main construction tender stage demonstrates our determination to see this project brought to fruition as quickly as possible.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan added:
“Through restoring these buildings and creating a commemorative space, we want to provide opportunities to allow the public and future generations to engage with the events of the revolutionary period and recognise their impacts on the formation of modern Ireland and its people. Equally, this project will form part of the wider regeneration of this historic area of north inner city and will complement other plans to improve our capital city.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran added:
“The Office of Public Works is proud to advance this landmark project at National Monument at 14-17 Moore Street, one of the most significant historic sites in our national story. As the State body entrusted with the care of Ireland’s National Monuments, the OPW has led the detailed conservation planning and design work to ensure these buildings are restored with the sensitivity and respect they deserve.
“I look forward to seeing works commence and to the delivery of a vibrant cultural and visitor space that will appropriately commemorate the legacy of 1916 and serve the public for generations to come.”
In 2015, the Government acquired the historic buildings at 14 -17 Moore Street, recognised as the site of the final headquarters and last stand of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and where the decision to surrender was ultimately taken.
In pursuit of the Government’s commitment to this historic site the Office of Public Works (OPW) has led the development of detailed proposals for the restoration and preservation of the National Monument buildings. This includes plans for the cultural use of the rear site at 8–9 Moore Lane as a supporting visitor facility, exhibition space, cultural venue and a community resource. Comprehensive design, interpretative planning, and restoration detail have been progressed to bring this aspect of the project to its current advanced stage.
ENDS