Letters: Who will protect Ireland when we cannot, and will not, protect ourselves?

Instead, as part of the Government's response to world affairs, we use our neutral status not to invest in security and defence.
We choose this path in the hope that it will buffer us from engaging in any overt acts abroad to defend other sovereign states or democracies, but also in the expectation that others will come to our pitiful defence.
For years, the Irish Defence Forces have been underfunded, understaffed and underequipped by successive ministers and governments.
An example of this is our national waters. These should be patrolled 24/7 against the insidious and often blatant Russian navy and its spy ships. Yet we can barely man one ship, never mind two, out of a fleet of six. Then we have the Air Corps losing technicians, air-traffic controllers and pilots to the private sector. No investment in jet fighters. Why?
We have an army that has lost a large number of well-trained soldiers who are being paid a pittance and work with equipment that would not fulfil any mandate if it came to the defence of our lands. Not one tank or missile launcher.
We have a police service that should, to all intent and purposes, be concentrating on policing without the added portfolios of security and intelligence. There should be a separate, independent and fully funded secret service with the technology and staffing that knows what is happening in advance of any possible threats to our State.
Who will protect us if we can't protect ourselves and why has there been so much resistance to our security and defence in a world that is tearing itself apart?
Sadly, we have too many non-combatants, with little or no frontline experience in security and defence, who are making decisions that could hugely impact us as we face a period of global uncertainty.
Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
No point in dialogue with regime whose stated aim is to wipe Israel off the map
Micheál Martin and Simon Harris suggest diplomacy and dialogue is needed with Iran. This mindset shows their total lack of understanding of the situation.
Iran's stated aim is to wipe Israel off the world map, which means annihilating its entire population.
Iran cannot and must not be appeased.
Joe Dixon, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan
Office of the President belongs in another era, its cost is needed in this one
As the country faces another costly presidential election, one wonders if the Republic of Ireland needs a president and whether it can afford to sustain what is largely a ceremonial office.
For me, the answer to both questions is an emphatic no.
The non-executive and outdated office is weighed down by protocols and formalities, which are irrelevant in a modern republic grappling with very serious housing, health, criminal and international issues.
The president holds office for an inordinately long seven years, and can be elected for a second term.
Unlike a general or local election, it is almost impossible for an ordinary Irish citizen to contest this election, as a nomination requires the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.
In addition to expense-free living in the opulent Áras, the president is entitled to an annual salary of €332,017, nearly seven times the average working salary of €47,967.
Presidential staff and ceremonial functions, at home and abroad, cost the taxpayer at least €5 million per annum.
Some very fine people, including the current incumbent, have held the office of president.
But, in my opinion, the position is now unsustainable and the money spent in electing and maintaining a president of Ireland is urgently needed elsewhere.
Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry
250 million ways to make a miserable existence that small bit more bearable
The recent €250m EuroMillions win reminds me of an old adage: Money can't buy you happiness, but it makes being unhappy a bit more bearable. Quite.
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin
In a post-truth world, media literacy should be mandatory in all schools
I am often asked these days by all sorts of people: Where do you get your news from? Who are your trusted sources? In this age of disinformation, alternative facts, post-truthism and the evisceration of mainstream media by the internet, the economics of the newspaper industry have been virtually destroyed.
I have to say there are valiant efforts out there by some of the newspapers, but I often find myself asking: Is real investigative reporting on top of the totem pole any more? I also wonder about the editorial standards vis-a-vis fact-checking of stories.
There is so much information out there from so many different sources, one wonders how one decides what's true. Perhaps a deeper philosophical question would be: in the world we now live in, is there such a thing any more as objective truth?
When one looks at the Trump administration, there appears to be many people who clearly do not believe truth is worth finding out, let alone speaking. Propaganda, misinformation and fake news have the potential to polarise public opinion along with promoting violent extremism and hate speech, resulting in the undermining of democracies.
I believe it is vital for schools to provide students with a solid education on media and information literacy as part of the curriculum.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Tax bill for council's land hoarding is sweet karma for those who created it
The Connaught Tribune recently reported the dismay of Mayo councillors at the €385,000 they must pay Revenue for their unused residential zoned land. If a council with an annual budget of €213m cannot make use of its lands, what hope is there for mere mortal private developers without the fairy godmother of the Exchequer to fund them?
The Land Development Agency is seeking powers to buy private land, but this is a distraction from the real land hoarding by the many arms of the State itself. Politicians created the ridiculous Residential Zoned Land Tax – that they find their own councils on the receiving end is a most pleasing karma indeed. Alex Wilsdon, Dublin Road, Kilkenny

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Journal

an hour ago

• The Journal

US embassy wants 'every social media username of past five years' on new visa applications

THE US EMBASSY in Dublin is tightening its visa requirements, saying that future applicants looking to visit the country will be required to divulge 'list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years' on their visa application form. The embassy also said that it wants people to set their social media profiles to public, reiterating a move announced last week by the US State Department . Visa applicants will also be required to 'list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years' on their visa application form, according to the statement released by the embassy this morning. Social media handles or usernames are not necessarily the person's real name as they may instead us an alias for their online profile. In the statement, the US Embassy said that a visa 'is a privilege, not a right' for travellers and that every visa decision was a 'national security decision'. The embassy said it will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. 'The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,' the embassy said in its statement today. Advertisement Omitting social media information could lead to 'visa denial and ineligibility' for future visas, the embassy added. 'The US Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,' the embassy said in a statement. 'We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. 'Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. 'To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public.' There had been confusion over the status of J1 applications as Donald Trump's administration spread its new agenda. Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs said last month that while it was aware of reports that the US has instructed its diplomatic missions to pause appointments for interviews in certain visa categories, including J1 student visas, it understood that existing appointments in Ireland hadn't been cancelled. Last month, Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the moves by the US and said there should not be 'any overzealous examinations of people's records' by officials. In an executive order on his first day as president, Donald Trump called for increased vetting of persons entering the United States to ensure they 'do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

The Journal

an hour ago

• The Journal

Israel strikes Fordo nuclear site as White House says Trump 'still interested' in diplomacy with Iran

LAST UPDATE | 15 mins ago ISRAEL HAS ONCE again struck Iran's heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility, according to Iranian state media — a dramatic escalation in a conflict that now risks spiralling into all-out regional war. The reported strike comes just days after the United States launched bunker-buster attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, prompting Tehran to vow a 'decisive response' and accuse Washington of 'unprovoked aggression'. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US action during talks in Moscow today with Iran's foreign minister. President Donald Trump further inflamed speculation last night by hinting at possible regime change in Tehran, despite Pentagon claims that this is not the US objective. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to coordinate their response, with Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris among those in attendance. We will be bringing you all the latest updates as they happen throughout the day. Updates by Jane Moore (now) and Andrew Walsh (previously). 5 mins ago 2:25PM — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 23, 2025 The White House has said that Donald Trump is still interested in engaging in a 'peaceful diplomatic solution' with Iran. Two days after the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, press secretary Karoline Leavitt also suggested that Trump believes the Iranian population should overthrow their government if it refuses to negotiate on its nuclear programme. Appearing on Fox News, Leavitt was asked about Trump's posts to Truth Social last night speculating on regime change in Iran, which included the term 'MIGA' – a play on MAGA, for 'Make Iran Great Again'. Trump's post said: 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change?' Leavitt said: 'The president believes the Iranian people can control their own destiny, and what he said last night makes complete sense. 'If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful diplomatic solution – which the president is still interested and engaging in, by the way – why shouldn't the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime that has been suppressing them for decades?' She continued: 'Our military posture has not changed. These were decisive precision strikes that were successful on Saturday evening, but the president is just simply raising a good question that many people around the world are asking.' 18 mins ago 2:12PM Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said that allies 'have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon'. He is currently speaking in The Hague to announce that Nato countries have committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defence. In a brief moment during his speech, Rutte said: 'Let me now first say a word on Iran. 'When it comes to Nato's stance on Iran's nuclear program, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon,' he said. 'Allies have repeatedly urged Iran to meet its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.' The NPT is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Iran has been a party to the agreement since 1970, but has repeatedly been found in breach of it. Last week, the Iranian government said it was preparing legislation to withdraw from the agreement. Israel is not a party to the NPT and has not accepted IAEA safeguards on some of its principle nuclear activities. 27 mins ago 2:03PM In case you missed it earlier, you won't be surprised to hear that the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran dominated the front pages of the newspapers this morning in Ireland and abroad. Most of the papers led with Trump's decision to bomb Iran and the country's promise of retaliation. You can find a rundown of the headlines here . 37 mins ago 1:53PM German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a meeting of the CDU Federal Executive Committee. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that there is 'no reason to criticise' the US over its strikes on Iran. 'There is no reason to criticise what America did at the weekend. Yes, it is not without risk. But leaving things as they were was not an option either,' Merz said in a speech to the Federation of German Industries. 41 mins ago 1:49PM Iranian media is reporting that power supply has been restored to northern Tehran after outages caused by an Israeli air raid earlier in the day. 'The outages were completely resolved in northern Tehran,' Tasnim news agency said, citing the regional electricity company. 1 hr ago 1:30PM Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow earlier, condemning the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and pledging Russia's efforts to assist the Iranian people. Iran's foreign minister also delivered a letter from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei seeking stronger Russian support. While details remain unclear, reports suggest Iran is dissatisfied with Russia's current backing and wants Putin to take a firmer stance against Israel and the US. Here are some photos from the meeting. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 1 hr ago 1:21PM A number of major airlines have moved to cancel flights across the Middle East again today due to the ongoing conflict. Major carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM have cancelled services to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, citing passenger safety concerns. Finnair, which usually flies daily to Doha, said it is currently avoiding the airspace over Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Israel, and cancelled a number of flights. Singapore Airlines, which described the situation as 'fluid', moved to cancel flights to Dubai through until at least tomorrow, having previously cancelled several flights on Sunday. 1 hr ago 1:08PM An Israeli airstrike on Evin prison in Tehran this morning has raised serious concerns for the safety of inmates, including French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, said Cecile's sister, Noemie Kohler. Israel's attack on Iran continued this morning with a series of massive strikes all across Tehran, including on Evin prison. Women political prisoners released a letter last week opposing Israel's mendacious and murderous attack on the country. — Samira Mohyeddin سمیرا (@SMohyeddin) June 23, 2025 Held since May 2022 on espionage charges their families reject, the couple is among around 20 Europeans believed held by Iran, which some Western governments describe as a strategy of hostage-taking aimed at extracting concessions from the West. Most are held in Evin, a large, heavily fortified complex notorious among activists for rights abuses. Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison sustained damage, but said it remains under control. Noemie Kohler condemned the strike as 'completely irresponsible,' expressing fears for prisoners' safety and potential chaos or riots. The family's lawyer called the strikes 'illegal' and warned of possible reprisals and bloodshed. 1 hr ago 1:00PM Three empty oil and chemical tankers have diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz and changed course, The Times of Israel has reported. Strait of Hormuz, a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo About 20% of global oil and gas flows through this narrow shipping lane in the Gulf. Blocking it would have profound consequences for the global economy, disrupting international trade and ratcheting up oil prices. It could also inflate the cost of goods and services worldwide, and hit some of the world's biggest economies, including China, India and Japan, which are among the top importers of crude oil passing through the strait. 1 hr ago 12:41PM As reported by Al Jazeera , Iran's deputy minister of foreign affairs for education and research, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has said that Tehran reserves the right to respond to US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Speaking from Tehran, Khatibzadeh did not rule out the possibility of Iranian retaliation against US military bases in the region. 'Iran will decide on how, when and at which level to respond to [the] Americans,' he said. He also described the recent US bombing of sites including Fordow as a 'grave mistake' and a clear violation of international law. 2 hrs ago 12:19PM The Israeli military has confirmed that it has launched air raids to 'obstruct access routes' to Iran's enriched uranium facility in Fordo, which was one of three sites bombed by the US at the weekend. Earlier today, the IDF struck routes in order to obstruct access to the Fordow enrichment site. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2025 A military statement said Israeli forces had 'struck in order to obstruct access routes to the Fordo enrichment site'. US President Donald Trump claimed that Fordo had been 'totally obliterated' by the US strikes, though other officials have said it is too soon to determine how significantly Tehran's nuclear programme has been impacted. 2 hrs ago 12:16PM Demonstrations took place in several US cities yesterday to protest against Donald Trump's decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran. Here are some photos from the protests. Demonstrators rally outside the White House in Washington. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Anti-war demonstrators hold signs outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Protesters carry signs during a protest against US strikes on Iran in New York. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Around 150-200 protestors gathered at the Stop The War On Iran! protest in Seattle. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Anti-war on Iran protesters march in Boston. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 2 hrs ago 12:02PM IAEA Director General @RafaelMGrossi addressed the Board of Governors this morning at an emergency meeting regarding the situation in Iran. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 23, 2025 The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for its inspectors to be able to return to Iran's nuclear sites in a bid to 'account for' its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, following the attacks by the US and Israel. 'Iran, Israel and the Middle East need peace,' Rafael Grossi told an emergency meeting of the organisation's board of governors in Vienna this morning. 'For that, we must take a number of steps,' he said. 'First of all, we must return to the negotiating table and for that allow IAEA inspectors – the guardians on our behalf of the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty) – to go back to Iran's nuclear sites and account for the stockpiles of uranium, including, most importantly, the 400 kilogrammes enriched to 60%.' Grossi said Iran's foreign minister had sent him a letter on 13 June announcing the implementation of 'special measures to protect nuclear equipment and materials'. 'There needs to be a cessation of hostilities for the necessary safety and security conditions to prevail so that Iran can let IAEA teams into the sites to assess the situation,' he said. Following the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan – on Saturday, Grossi said craters 'are now visible at the Fordo site, Iran's main facility for enriching uranium at 60%, indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions'. He added that 'very significant damage' is expected to have occurred for the US bombing 'given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges'. 'At this time, no-one including the IAEA, is in a position to have fully assessed the underground damage at Fordo,' he said. 2 hrs ago 11:55AM Lack of clarity remains over the position of Keir Starmer's UK Government in relation to the US strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend. Starmer highlighted the necessity to 'de-escalate', insisting on a diplomatic resolution, and ensuring to reiterate that there was no UK military involvement in the attack. UK foreign secretary David Lammy spoke about the conflict in an interview on BBC Radio where he offered neither support nor condemnation of the escalatory move by US President Donald Trump. 'Everyone is urging the Iranians to get serious about the negotiations with the E3 [UK, France and Germany] and the US,' Lammy said. "This was not the UK's action. We were not involved." @JustinOnWeb asks Foreign Secretary David Lammy whether the UK has a position on whether the US strikes on Iran were legal under international law. #R4Today — BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 23, 2025 'Yes, they [the Iranians] can have a civil nuclear capability that is properly monitored that involves outsiders but they cannot continue to enrich to 60%,' he added. Fellow Labour MP Luke Pollard was equally ambiguous when speaking about his party's stance on the issue when asked on Sky News whether the UK is for or against the strikes on Iran. 'It's not for me to comment on the particular US action,' he said. The Conservative Party says the muddled responses to the US military action is evidence of 'moral cowardice', with its former leader Rishi Sunak lauding Israel and the US for acting 'decisively' against the Iranian 'threat to regional and global security'. 2 hrs ago 11:53AM European foreign ministers speaking ahead of a meeting at the European Council building in Brussels. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The weekend's US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran will likely dominate a meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels today. Following Israel's attack on Iran on 13 June and Iran's retaliation, several European leaders have said that Israel has a 'right to defend itself'. Many European countries have also echoed Israeli and American claims about Iran's nuclear programme, saying Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons, despite a recent US intelligence assessment that said the opposite was true. Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris is expected to update his fellow foreign ministers on a call he had with Iran's deputy foreign minister yesterday, and urge the EU to use all channels to call for de-escalation and to attempt to salvage negotiations over Iran's nuclear energy programme. We'll bring you more from the meeting when we hear the latest. 2 hrs ago 11:45AM Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned strikes on Tehran as 'unprovoked aggression' and said Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people – though he did not single out US strikes specifically. Putin is hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow for talks. FM Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the US-Israeli aggression against Iran Follow — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) June 23, 2025 During the meeting, for which cameras were allowed in, Putin told Araghchi: 'This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran.' He called the strikes 'unjustified' and said that Russia was 'making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people.' While Putin did not single out the US attacks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters before the meeting that Russia regrets the US strikes. 'There has been a new escalation of tensions in the region, and, of course, we condemn this and express our deep regret in this regard,' Peskov said. Since Israel launched its wave of strikes on Iran on 13 June, Russia has not publicly offered military help to Tehran. Putin and other officials have also downplayed Moscow's obligations under a sweeping strategic partnership agreement signed with Tehran just months ago, highlighting that it is not a mutual defence pact. Asked what specific support Russia might offer, Peskov told reporters: 'It all depends on what Iran needs. We have offered our mediation services.' Putin said last week that Iran had not requested any support. 2 hrs ago 11:35AM Israel's Defence Ministry has said the IDF is striking Iranian 'government targets' in Tehran this morning, including the Evin Prison in the Iranian capital. Other targets include the security headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards, the city's Palestine Square, and the paramilitary Basij volunteer corps building – which is a part of the Revolutionary Guard. 'The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,' the ministry said. The notorious Evin jail in the North eastern suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Iran has confirmed that sections of Evin Prison have been damaged in the strikes. 'In the latest attack by the Zionist regime on Tehran, projectiles unfortunately struck Evin prison, causing damage to parts of the facility,' said the judiciary's Mizan Online website. It added that all resources had been deployed to manage the complex and the situation remained 'under control'. The notorious prison has been known for holding western detainees, including journalists. British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained there for six years after being accused of spying by Iran. 3 hrs ago 11:28AM Last night, US President Donald Trump raised the idea of regime change in Iran – even after the Pentagon stressed that the goal of American intervention was not to topple the Iranian government. 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. 'But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!' Hours later he doubled down on emphasising the success of his strikes. 'Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!' Trump wrote, without sharing the images he was referencing. 'The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!' he added. 3 hrs ago 11:26AM If you need a recap of the escalation in the conflict, here's what has happened over the last couple of days: The US attacked three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday. The extent of the damage caused to the sites has yet to be fully determined . Iran's foreign minister said the US decided to 'blow up' diplomacy efforts by striking the nuclear sites. The UN's nuclear watchdog said there was no increase in radiation levels in Iran on Sunday. Iran has promised retaliation against the US for the attack. 3 hrs ago 11:19AM Good morning – Jane Moore here. Welcome to our coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has escalated since the United States bombed three of Iran's nuclear sites – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan on Saturday. Iran's foreign minister said the US had decided to 'blow up' diplomacy efforts by entering the war, with the country vowing to retaliate against the attacks. Strikes are continuing between Israel and Iran this morning, with meetings in the EU taking place to discuss Europe's response to the conflict, and Iran's foreign minister meeting Vladimir Putin in Moscow. We'll be bringing you all the latest developments over the course of the day. Advertisement Read Next Related Reads 'A big mistake': Iran vows to retaliate after US attack on nuclear sites US bombs caused 'extremely severe damage and destruction' to three Iranian nuclear sites 'There are many targets left': How Trump announced to the world that the US had bombed Iran Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

Extra.ie​

2 hours ago

• Extra.ie​

GPO to be turned into a museum in attempt to regenerate 'troubled part' of Dublin

The Government is planning to build a national museum in the GPO, with the issue a priority for Simon Harris. The new museum is the centrepiece of an ambitious plan for the regeneration of what is seen as 'the troubled part' of the capital. A Government source said: 'It is intended the museum will act as an iconic venue that could include an arts space, offices and retail outlets.' The GPO on O'Connell Street in Dublin. Pic: Getty Images The proposal will be considered by the Cabinet on Tuesday. Ministers will also consider the report of an interdepartmental group on the recommendations of the Dublin City Task Force, set up by Tánaiste Mr Harris last year to identify measures to rejuvenate the city centre. It is understood that, under plans to go before ministers, the GPO complex will be redeveloped as a flagship project and a mixed-use development. The Government also pledged that there will be 'a wide-ranging consultation given the emblematic importance of the GPO not only to Dubliners but also to the public all over Ireland'.