Major work gets underway to restore Dublin’s Iveagh Markets

Advanced works have begun on Dublin’s historic Iveagh Markets.

The works, carried out on behalf of Dublin City Council, will include removing loose materials, installation of safe access routes, installation of crash decks and removal of vegetation.

Francis Haughey Building Contractors have been appointed to carry out these works which are expected to take eight weeks to complete.

Following completion of Stage 1 works, the Integrated Design Team will have full and safe access to all areas which will allow them to complete the detailed design process and prepare tender documentation for a comprehensive repair programme.

The repair programme includes extensive repairs to roofs, valleys and rainwater disposal systems, protect and secure windows/doors, secure structural columns which have been exposed and repair walls and parapets.

They will also remove lead paint throughout and provide safe access to structures to facilitate regular inspection and maintenance. The Stage 2 works are scheduled to commence in the last quarter of 2024 and are likely to take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Meanwhile, there were fears that the main structure of the markets had deteriorated over the colder months, with parts of the roof collapsing as the historic site lay in a state of disrepair.

A recent update has stated that a design team will oversee an initial phase of work to restore the roof.

The conservation experts working on repairing the building have so far found that the main structure of the building is generally in sound condition, despite part of the roof collapsing.

However, elements of the roof structure such as timbers, slates, and large areas of glazing need replacing. This will be the focus of the work carried out in the next year.

A spokesperson for the Friends of the Iveagh Markets campaign group said that upon meeting with the Project Manager Donncha Ó Dúlaing and Dublin City Council this week, they learned that the markets are “structurally in better condition than expected”.

“Friends of the Iveagh Markets will be delighted and relieved to see the essential remedial works necessary to preserve the Iveagh Markets for future generations finally begin in earnest,” they said.

“Let us hope these timelines are achieved.”

The project team proposes to publish regular bulletins on the project’s progress to keep the community informed.

This damage prompted action, and the Government has made €9m available through the Urban Development & Regeneration Fund to save and restore the roof as the first part of a wider renewal of the building.

A further €3m has been pledged by Dublin City Council.

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