I seem to have written a piece about Moore Street in Dublin every four to six months or so, since my last visit there. As the (de)construction looms ever closer, it has happened a bit more frequently. The protection of Moore Street is one of my favorite Irish causes, and I spend a good deal of time reading through mind-numbing transcripts and watching videos and news from afar as the government tries to weasel a new mall or hotel into what should be a sacred and protected space.
This situation has come to a head in the last week or so. I have been watching the brave men and women occupy the buildings of Moore Street in order to save them and circulating any news I can from them. As a one-time member of the Occupy protests here in the United States, I know first hand how cold and miserable it can be to spend winter nights in protest, and how skewed the media can be about the protesters and their cause. Please don’t be fooled by the notion that these brave men and women are impeding restoration and growth in the neighborhood – they are not the problem. They are not all “Shinners” and their aim is not to trudge up the same old battles that many people (and the government in general) are trying to forget – it is to protect one of the last vestiges of Irish history and an important battleground from vanishing altogether.
So much of Dublin has vanished and been replaced. All over the city there are tiny plaques that commemorate what used to be there. I know that everything must change, but it’s heartbreaking. Destroying one of the few places that hasn’t already disappeared in the city is not the answer.
The government can’t have it both ways. They can’t spend millions to bring tourists to Ireland for the “Rising” while they demolish what remains of it. My walks through Moore Street were profound and sad, and I saw firsthand the city’s neglect of the area. It is run down and it is a street that needs change – but not the kind that removes its spirit, history, and grace. The English tried to destroy the area in 1916 and now the Irish government wants to finish the job a hundred years later. It’s unconscionable.
These protesters are fighting for the right kind of change. I only wish I was there to join them or that I could do more to help them from here and if you can, I urge you to do so. Protesters always need blankets, food, and water to get through their vigils. Donating even the smallest and easiest things can help immensely. Spend a night with them if they still need to be there – I know if they’re still fighting in six weeks, Moore Street will be my first stop. They have won a small reprieve. Please help them win more. There are many ways to do this and most are easy to do from wherever you are. Sign this petition. Vote in this poll. Follow this Facebook page for information and updates, and find the others too. Learn about the history of the area. Buy a Battlefield Bond. Write to the Irish government. And if you happen to be in Dublin, please help both physically and spiritually by supporting in court, at this rally on Wed. the 13th, and on the street for as long as it takes.
Choosing the Green 
May I re-blog your post? I’ll make no additional comments. Yes or no, very well done.
of course – and you can always feel free to do so – AND to make additional comments
Thank you so much.
Reblogged this on Na trioblóidí.
A great post Shannon. You explained it well and you’re doing a great job from over her in America in supporting the Irish. Something we’ve been doing for ages. Now what is wrong with Ireland?!
I can’t fathom the people who want another mall and another hotel. It makes no sense! Thanks for the compliment and the signing of all the things. Hopefully every little bit helps
Im sure this is a controversial topic over there. I’ve read the other side of the coin where they talk about the run-down neighborhood, drugs and the fact that the developers claim to have plans for a museum. I don’t believe the museum part and nothing is ever set in stone when you give up control to developers. You would think they would see that its not only saving history but could bring in more tourism. Can’t they join commerce with history somehow?
great post! So many of us are writing about moore St – the message just has to get out there. You might also like https://eurofree3.wordpress.com/2016/01/08/moore-st-birthdeath-place-of-the-irish-republic/
Good for you! I think I can speak for many Americans when I say you can always build a newer mall…but once history is gone you cannot get it back but for the lies people tend to tell.
I don’t remember seeing this on the Save Moore Street 2016 site and I know it was not on the Save Moore Street From Demolition site. Sometimes posts get missed out for approval by oversight — did you send this to either ot them, perchance?
Sorry, PS: I have written an article on the international importance of Moore Street also on the Rebel Breeze blog — it clearly deserves to be a World Heritage Centre.
I have sent them a few private messages but have not gotten much response, especially recently. I figure they’re pretty busy. I follow both of their pages for updates and spread as much news as I can about Moore Street.
It was one of the places I couldn’t stay away from on my last visit to Ireland. I found myself drawn to it quite a lot and it has been one of my favorite causes ever since. I’m a little scared of going back to it in a couple of weeks, only because the obvious signs of (de)construction are probably going to break my heart. And you are right. It should be protected and cherished