The Government has agreed the initial phases of a process to redevelop the General Post Office (GPO) Complex in Dublin City Centre.

The future transformation of the site forms a key component of the Government’s Roadmap for Delivery of the Dublin City Taskforce Report. This strategy aims to make the capital's core a safer, more attractive, and thriving environment to inhabit, visit, and conduct business. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will manage the flagship redevelopment project, which is designed to respect the location's historical and heritage value while delivering value for future generations.

As part of the initial steps, the Government has agreed that ownership of the GPO Complex will transfer to the OPW from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The OPW will eventually draft design proposals for the future use of the Protected Structure, which will require formal Government approval. Before those blueprints are created, a broad public consultation process will launch later this year. This initiative will feature a programme of public events to facilitate a national conversation, and the feedback will shape eventual design proposals.

To guide and oversee this Non-Statutory Public Consultation and Engagement Process, a Steering Group will be established and chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.

Simultaneously, the OPW plans to introduce a 'Temporary Meanwhile Use' proposal to bring currently under-used sections of the GPO complex back into operation while detailed long-term design plans advance. This arrangement will maintain office space for the Government on a temporary basis and establish areas for public and community events. Dublin City Council will facilitate an open call in the coming months, allowing civic society and community groups to submit proposals to use these temporary spaces.

Subject to the results of the consultation and temporary usage phases, the future GPO Complex is anticipated to integrate some or all of the following elements:

• A Public Post Office

• Significant cultural use or uses

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• Enhancements to the local public realm

• Modern Government office accommodation to enhance and replace the space previously used by An Post

• Retail elements contained within the current retail footprint

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The redevelopment of the GPO is of crucial importance to the nation. The complex’s history and heritage place it at the centre of Irish culture and bringing it back to glory is key to the rejuvenation of Dublin. An Oversight Board in my Department is coordinating the work of teams across Government, and in the OPW and Dublin City Council, to implement the Roadmap for Delivery of the Dublin City Taskforce Report. As part of that programme of work, the GPO’s redevelopment represents an important milestone.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “The redevelopment of the GPO Complex is a priority for Government. I welcome the transfer of ownership of the GPO from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to the Office of Public Works agreed today. This site has enormous potential, and I am particularly looking forward to hearing the views of people all over the country as to how it should be developed.”

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said: “This is an exciting and visionary project for the country. The public will want to see us achieving value for money on this project, which is why, prior to any design proposals being brought forward, a wide-ranging Public Consultation process will commence later this year.”

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said: "The redevelopment of the GPO Complex marks a pivotal moment in our city’s history, preserving the legacy of one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks while creating a vibrant, inclusive urban renewal. Through public consultation and creative temporary uses, we want to ensure that the GPO complex remains an integral part of our city for communities, businesses and the general public to enjoy for years to come".

Office of Public Works Chairman, John Conlon said: “The Office of Public Works welcomes this incredible opportunity to lead an exciting next chapter for the GPO complex. It is an immense privilege to continue our role at this landmark site at the heart of our nation’s story. This building was first built by the Board of Works and then significantly expanded by the Office of Public Works over a period of two centuries. Once more, we set out to ensure its prominent role in the century ahead. We look forward to working with our colleagues across Government and Dublin City Council as we advance this milestone project.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Frank Feighan said: “I warmly welcome the commencement of this important redevelopment process for the GPO Complex. This project represents a unique opportunity to revitalise a landmark of profound national significance, ensuring it continues to serve the public while contributing to a vibrant and inclusive city centre.”

State Architect and Principal Architect Office of Public Works, Conor Sreenan said: “While prominent on O’Connell Street, the impressive stone and brick GPO Complex also commands a significant presence along Prince’s St North, Henry Street and through the GPO Arcade. The GPO Complex has endured abrupt adaptation, extensive repair and several phased extensions; it bears this history of continuous change well. The first step towards the redevelopment of this courtyard city block will be a patient public consultation. In time, we will prepare ambitious proposals for new sequences of spaces and places within the GPO Complex, and improved connections with the streets around it. The project will progress in a considered manner and with care to make sure that design proposals are engaging, enduring and environmentally responsible. While they will be civic and generous, the proposals will be respectful of heritage, social history, and will represent value for money.”

By NateBergin - Own work, CC BY 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=171074872