Dublin City Council, with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund under Project Ireland 2040, has appointed Kelbuild Ltd. to carry out emergency repair and stabilisation works at the historic Iveagh Markets on Francis Street in The Liberties, Dublin 8.

Conservation Architects Howley Hayes Cooney will oversee the contract alongside CORA Structural Engineers and Austin Reddy Quantity Surveyors, with the programme intended to secure the protected structure for the future.

Following earlier enabling works to provide safe access, install propping and remove vegetation, Kelbuild Ltd. will undertake essential repairs to the roof, gutters and rainwater disposal system, and will stabilise the parapet and internal walls. The emergency stabilisation phase is expected to run over the next 24 months.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said: "The Iveagh Markets are not just a building, they are a cornerstone of Dublin's story and a symbol of the resilience and character of The Liberties. For generations, this place has stood at the heart of a community defined by its spirit, its craft, and its sense of belonging. Beginning these emergency works marks an essential and long-awaited step towards securing the Markets' future. As a city, we are determined to protect our architectural heritage, honour the legacy of those who shaped it, and ensure that this historic landmark can once again play a meaningful role in the life of Dublin."

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Developed by Edward Cecil Guinness, Lord Iveagh, the markets formed part of a wider programme of urban regeneration he funded in The Liberties at the turn of the 20th century. Built to accommodate street traders displaced by the Bull Alley Estate on nearby Patrick Street, the complex comprised a Wet Hall for fish, meat and fresh produce and a Dry Hall for second-hand clothing and household goods.

Completed in 1906, the buildings occupy a full city block of roughly seventy metres by forty metres. They include two semi-glazed roof structures of intricate geometric design, supported by cast iron columns and perimeter masonry walls, and combine cast iron, wrought iron and mild steel — exemplifying metal-framed construction at a high standard.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: "Today's engagement between Dublin City Council and Kelbuild Limited marks another milestone in the restoration of the Iveagh Market on Francis Street, Dublin 8. The Iveagh Market is a landmark of architectural, cultural, and social significance in the Liberties. My Department is supporting these works through funding of almost €9.5 million from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of a wider programme to regenerate Dublin's South Inner City which was awarded €47 million in funding from the URDF. The planned works will help secure the architectural heritage of this important part of the city and I look forward to seeing the next phase of these essential stabilisation and repair works progress in the coming months".

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said, "The stabilisation of the Iveagh Markets is a priority for Dublin City Council. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund, we are taking decisive action to secure this iconic structure and explore its potential for future use."

Councillor Vincent Jackson, Chair of the South Central Area Committee, added: "This project reflects our dedication to protecting the cultural and historical fabric of The Liberties. The Iveagh Markets have been at the heart of the community for over a century, and these works will ensure that they remain a source of pride for local residents."