COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 08, 2013

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor M. Devine

That this Council calls for the new bridge across the Liffey in the City centre be named after Nurse Elizabeth O'Farrell and if so supported convey this to Dublin City Council.

REPORT:

A new bridge is currently being built across the Liffey between Marlborough Street and Hawkins Street. Nurse O'Farrell was born in City Quay, Dublin and was a midwife at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, and a member of Cumann na mBan. O’Farrell acted as a courier both before and during the Rising, and was one of just three women in the GPO when the decision to evacuate the building was given. She played a key role after the surrender, delivering messages to both Irish Volunteer leaders and the British. 

Nurse O’Farrell was sent with a Red Cross Flag to inform General Lowe that Pearse wished to negotiate surrender terms. Eventually, Pearse surrendered unconditionally and was accompanied by O’Farrell when he surrendered to General Lowe. O’Farrell spent several months in prison after the Rising.  General Lowe petitioned that clemency be shown towards her for "great assistance" she had given in managing the final hours of the Rising.  She died in Fatima House in Bray, Co. Wicklow on 25 June 1957. 

Dublin City Council has recently set up a Commemorative Naming Committee who will consider proposals to honour, celebrate, or remember a person, group of people or events of significance that have helped to shape the City of Dublin. The Committee are now looking for suggestions for the naming of the new bridge. The City Council have stated that the opportunity to assist the Committee in making their final recommendation is open to all members of the public, be it a group or individual.

Application Forms and criteria are available from the Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department of Dublin City Council or can be downloaded in both Irish and English. Completed application forms can be sent to The Chairperson, Commemorative Naming Committee, Councillor Dermot Lacey, C/O Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 or e-mailed directly to cra@dublincity.ie

The closing date for submissions is Friday 19th April, 2013 at 5.00 p.m.

If the motion is passed a submission will be forwarded to the City Council outlining the recommendation of this Council.