Iveagh Markets: €9 million funding announced amid fears of structural collapse

The long-awaited conservation work on The Liberties’ Iveagh Markets is planned to start late next year.

The iconic building has been left derelict and decaying since its closure in 1996, with the roof having taken significant damage over the years – leaving it at risk of collapse.

This news comes days after an announcement made by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD approving €9 million funding for repair work for the building.

This funding will allow Dublin City Council to undertake structural repair work on the building, which will include repairs to the roof, walls and rainwater disposal system.

The conservation work will be financed by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). According to Gov.ie, the fund aims to “deliver more compact and sustainable development, as envisaged under Project Ireland 2040…by part-funding regeneration and rejuvenation projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.”

The news of the funding has been welcomed by both community activists and councillors alike. Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon told The Liberty that his top priority has been to “secure funds to fix the roof and stabilise the structure”.

Speaking about the physical appearance of the building that he observed last year, Mr Pidgeon said, “You could see the incredible grandeur and potential of the building.”

The disrepair is so clear, with bits of the roof swinging off and large ponds formed inside… We need to get this (the repairs) done as soon as possible, as winter is always a challenge for buildings like this,” he said.

Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon

Community activists from The Liberties have been campaigning for the conservation of the historic building for years. Friends of the Iveagh Markets expressed support for the funding.

Spokesperson for the group James Madigan told the Independent that “Friends of the Iveagh Market is delighted there is funding guaranteed for the emergency remedial works to start.”

In terms of what comes next, architects have already been appointed and are examining the site. However, with a start date for the repairs estimated to begin in late 2024, whether or not the building will survive the winter remains uncertain.