Campaign group protests for preservation of Iveagh Markets

Culture
03 Apr 23

Iveagh Markets in The Liberties. Photo credit John Lord.

Iveagh Markets was one of Dublin's largest indoor markets until the '90s. There have been numerous plans to breathe new life into the building since its closure over 25 years ago.

Campaign group Friends of the Iveagh Markets has described the measures to preserve the Iveagh Markets as a "policy of silence," which is why the group will hold a protest outside City Hall today, April 3. Despite numerous announcements of refurbishments, the building has yet to be renovated. As a result, the group has accused Dublin City Council of approaching the matter with a lack of engagement.

The campaign aims to "stop the Markets falling down," after the building has been vacant for over 25 years. Located on Francis Street in the heart of Dublin's Liberties, the deteriorating condition of the building is raising concerns among local campaigners. Organisers have called the protest, called Stand with Friends, for tonight outside City Hall at 5.30pm.

STAND WITH FRIENDS

Monday 3rd April
City Hall 5.30pm

Stand with Friends of the Iveagh Markets in our campaign to stop the Markets falling down.
We ask for:

1.Stabilisation works to begin immediately

2. Meaningful Community Consultation

[email protected] pic.twitter.com/OhlzghgWZf

— friendsoftheiveaghmarkets (@friendsoftheiv1) March 24, 2023

In an interview with The Independent, campaigner James Madigan said: "We are protesting the Dublin City Council meeting. We have to stop these markets falling down. We are asking for stabilisation works to begin immediately alongside meaningful community consultation."

Madigan stated that the group asks people "who care about Dublin" to attend the protest and spread the word since they "need as much communication out there as possible."

"Sadly, at the moment, DCC’s policy of silence continues and although we have cross party support for the stabilisation of the Markets, we anxiously await positive news about the necessary funding being acquired. Works need to begin immediately and we are asking for a monthly statement on what progress is being made."

Iveagh Markets is a historic structure on Francis Street that was closed down after trading ceased in 1997. The Earl of Iveagh gave the building to the people of Dublin in 1906, and it served the community for over 90 years.