The Government’s plans for the development of the GPO fail to show the site and those who fought there “respect”, Aontú has claimed. 

Last week, the Government announced the main location of the 1916 Rising would be redeveloped in order to attract more people to O’Connell Street. 

If implemented, the GPO would continue to be used as a post office and museum, while commercial units would also be allowed to open there. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said he was aghast at the proposal. 

“It’s not being redeveloped with sympathy of the value of the GPO site,” he said. 

“So, for example, if you go to countries such as Amsterdam and you look at the Anne Frank Museum, you see how those buildings have been preserved. 

“So, that people can have a physical connection with the history of their country - and, obviously, how popular they are as a result of it.

“You can see what can be done in the likes of Moore Street and the GPO area.” 

Defence Forces Personnel outside the GPO for the 108th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Deputy Tóibín continued that he would prefer far greater emphasis on the cultural and historical element of the Rising. 

“I would like for the GPO to be repurposed to reflect the objectives of the Proclamation of the Republic,” he said. 

“I think if we’re going to show respect and honour to the men of 1916… [we should use it to] develop the all-Ireland economy, the all-Ireland health service, to use it to develop the cultural history of this State.” 

The Meath West TD added that previous promises to revitalise the area around the GPO have not materialised. 

“Right now on Moore Street, the plans were for it to be fixed by 2016,” he said. 

“Currently, it’s a location for alcohol, drug taking and defecating on that particular street.” 

A Luas tram passes the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell Street in August 2020. Picture by: Andy Gibson / Alamy Stock Photo

Deputy Tóibín also accused the Government of lacking “respect” for the location and those who fought in the 1916 Rising. 

“The evidence is very clear because there’s no other European country that would treat its cultural heritage, its physical connection to its foundation, in such a poor manner as this Government has,” he said. 

“We need to take a leaf out of other countries in Europe and celebrate these locations - which is what we should do with the GPO.” 

Last week, Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan told RTÉ that the GPO was the “most important building in the foundation of our State”. 

He added that the proposed redevelopment would make sure it “reflects the importance of that building to the foundation of the State."

Main image: Split of Peadar Toibín and the GPO. Pictures by: Newstalk and Alamy.com.