Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin supports establishment of National Heritage Trust

Published: 6 December, 2004

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithí Doolan tonight welcomed Dublin City Council's, "unanimous support for keeping Bewleys Cafes Open and for the establishment of a National Heritage Trust to protect and preserve our heritage."

Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Doolan said: "this motion is an important motion with far reaching implications for our city. While the focus tonight is on Bewleys this motion sends out a clear message that our heritage and culture is not for sale to the highest bidder.

"Economic development cannot be allowed to become a steamroller whereby heritage and culture are simply steamrolled out of existence in the name of so called progress.

"The establishment of a National Heritage Trust will ensure that our heritage and indeed culture can be protected in the future. Without such a Trust we will simply be held to ransom by developers. The challenge is now at the feet of the Minister of Environment, Heritage & Local Government to ensure that the Trust is established as a matter of urgency."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan congratulated, "the Save Bewleys Campaign for winning such widespread public support and continuing the fight to keep Bewleys open." ENDS