The Moore Street Preservation Trust is raffling a historic rifle to raise funds for their campaign against the controversial redevelopment of the historic street.
The prize for the Easter raffle is an original Mauser Rifle smuggled into Ireland in the Howth gun-running operation in 1914.
James Connolly Heron, the great-grandson of James Connolly, slammed the decision by the Dublin City Council to give the green light to the plan by UK developer Hammerson, describing it as "another devastating blow to the unique cultural heritage of Dublin and of the Irish nation".
He added: "This Easter Raffle is an opportunity for citizens to demonstrate their opposition to the developer-led plan for Moore Street by assisting our efforts to raise the necessary funds to promote our alternative plan for the birthplace of The Republic.
“The Raffle has secured the legal permits necessary for the raffle and the Mauser Rifle has been kindly donated by Pat O’Hagan, an eminent collector of historical artefacts relating to the Irish Volunteers and the IRA, British Forces stationed in Ireland and loyalists between 1901-1923.
“The artefact is an antique firearm manufactured before 1898. The rifle is for display and ornamental purposes only.”
The Moore Street redevelopment will form part of a larger €500 million revamp of the area.
The UK property group Hammerson had lodged three separate applications with the council for a mixture of retail, office and residential units.
The entire site that looks set to be redeveloped will run west from O'Connell Street to Moore Street and northwards from Henry Street to Parnell.
The raffle will go live from 12pm today and you can buy a ticket here.
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