Dail Motion to save Bewleys

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.

Information
Ciarán Cuffe TD 618 3082 / 087 265 2075
http://www.CiaranCuffe.com
Elaine Walsh Press Office 6183852 / 087 223 2946

Full text of Motion re Bewley's Cafes

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 and its importance as a theatrical venue,

- 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, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to intercede and purchase the leases, freehold and furnishings of the Cafes, and subsequently either franchise the Cafes out to an operator who will uphold and continue the tradition of hospitality and excellence that the cafés offer to Dubliners, Irish people and visitors from abroad or alternatively use the Bewley's premises to promote the history and cultural life of Dublin as well as retaining a partial café function and thereby safeguard this important cultural institution