Motion re Bewley’s Cafes
24th November 2004
Here's a Motion that the Green Party tabled to the Dáil a week before the
Bewley's Cafes closed. Needless to say the Government have not acted on
it...
Text of Dáil Motion
"That Dáil Éireann: -Recognising the importance of Bewley’s
Cafes to the social, economic, and cultural life of Dublin City;
-Cognisant of the State’s role in the operation of the Great Southern
Hotels Group, and Restaurant Na Mara in Dún Laoghaire; and recognising the role
of the National Trust in securing the future of the Crown Bar in Belfast,
- Acknowledging the historical significance of the Cafes in the literary and
historic life of the Capital,
-Noting that the premises at Westmorland Street and Grafton Street are
Protected Structures and worthy of protection in the Dublin City Development
Plan,
-Recognising the need to facilitate continued public access and viewing of
the artistic excellence of the stained glass windows created by the late Harry
Clarke, -
Acknowledging the emphasis that the Bewley Family placed on the sourcing of
fresh foods directly from farms and producers
-calls on the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, the Minister for Arts, Sports and
Tourism John O’Donaghue TD and the Minister for Enterprise, trade and
Employment Noel Dempsey TD to intercede and purchase the leases, freehold and
furnishings of the Cafes, and subsequently franchise the Cafes out to an
operator who will uphold and continue the tradition of hospitality and
excellence that the Cafes offer to Dubliners, Irish people and visitors from
abroad, In order to ensure the continued operation of these premises
as Cafes and to safeguard their role in Irish life in future years.
Dan Boyle, Ciarán Cuffe, Paul Gogarty, John Gormley, Eamon Ryan, Trevor
Sargent, 24th November 2004"
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