Ministers O’Brien and Noonan announce funding for Iveagh Markets conservation works

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, and the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, have announced approval in principle of €9 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) for essential conservation works at the Iveagh Markets in Dublin 8.
The Iveagh Market complex is a protected structure on Francis Street, Dublin 8 and was developed by the Guinness family in 1907. The market closed in 1996, and has been disused ever since. Dublin City Council has made proposals to secure the fabric of the structure through a programme of essential works to be carried out to prevent this protected structure from continued decline.
The announcement by the Ministers today means this proposal can now progress.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said:
“I am very glad to be in a position to provide this funding for Dublin City Council to get on with urgent conservation works to secure the Iveagh Markets.
"We’ve already seen what URDF funding has accomplished in this area with the fantastic public realm works which have been completed on Francis Street.
"Now using further URDF funds we will be in a position to carry out essential works such as conservation repairs to the roofs and works to stabilise the Diocletian style arched windows and associated brickwork – all of which are vital to the integrity of the building."
Minister Noonan added:
“This vital funding will secure the fabric of the beloved Iveagh Markets in the heart of Dublin City and prevent any further deterioration.
"While the future use and management of the building is not included in this specific project scope, it is my hope that the stabilisation of the building will lead to a participative, community-led process that envisions a thriving future for this iconic building as part of the wider redevelopment of Frances Street and Meath Street.
"The people of the Liberties are rightly proud of their historic market traditions and have a deep sense of place, which the Iveagh Markets has the potential to be emblematic of."