Press Release   

24 November 2004

Motion to save Bewley's tabled by Green Party 

Calls on Government to purchase leases and retain these historic and landmark cafés

Bewley's cafés on Grafton Street and Westmoreland Street are due to close at the end of the month. But these historic and landmark cafés can still be saved if the Government takes immediate action, said the Green Party today. 

Green Party Planning spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today that, "We believe that the Government should step in and act now to save these historic and landmark cafés. Bewley's cafés have played a significant role in the literary and historic life of Dublin and continue to be important for the social, economic and cultural life of the capital. Both premises are protected structures worthy of protection in the Dublin City Development Plan. Moreover, the public have a right to continue to enjoy open access to the artistic excellence of the Harry Clarke stained glass windows in the Grafton Street branch."

"The Green Party is therefore calling on the Government to intercede and purchase outright Bewley's cafés and their contents. The Government could then franchise out the cafés to an operator. Another option is that the Government would use the Bewley's premises to promote the history and cultural life of Dublin. For example, a state-owned Bewley's could incorporate and build upon the successful theatre shows, contain an exhibition detailing the social, cultural and literary history of Dublin as well as retaining part of the café for ongoing use," concluded Deputy Cuffe. 

ENDS

(Link to Text of Motion)