Moore Street is Dublin’s oldest food market. About 2 weeks ago, protesters and residents took over the buildings on Moore Street. The site became a hive of activity when protesters locked themselves in and the builders out. The site which is one of the few last remaining history sites connected to the Easter Rising, which is due to be knocked down and developed into a new shopping centre and hotel. Its been heavily argued that if the new development goes ahead, it will erase the building and all the history that comes with it. Last week a case went to the high court to prevent any of the units being demolished and re-developed.
Last week I took a trip to Moore Street to check it out. I was allowed on the site, despite a media blackout. I was some what taken aback when I got on to the site. Groups of people were huddled into the buildings. Heating was provided along with the use of some kitchen facilities. Donations of food where coming in from people dropping by. In one area all I could see was a mountain of sleeping bags and spare hats. The site, still has a lot of its original features including the stairway’s and fire places. It is understandable to see why the protesters are fighting to save these beautiful buildings that are rich in Irish history, after all this is where the rebels of 1916 surrendered.
I then went outside on to Moore Street and it was business as usual for the street traders. Despite all the happy singing coming from the units, the dealers didn’t seem to bat an eye lid to the protesters, or maybe they were just used to their presence. Shoppers on Moore Street that day seemed to be pleased to see the protesters, showing their support and even stopping to join in and sing with the protesters.
On Sunday 17th January, an open air festival took place on Moore Street. This event was put together by the Save Moore Street Movement Group. It was a delightful event. There were performances from a Dublin Based duo called The Invisibles, who gave us a fantastic cover of Grace & The Foggy Dew. Singer, Evelyn Campbell, treated us to some traditional ballads and a cover of The Patriot Games.
The street concert was organised by the Save Moore Street From Demolition group, who also run the Saturday information table with petitions and leaflets and badges (11.30am-2pm — 69 weeks so far).