Dublin City Council has put in place 24-hour security on-site at the derelict Iveagh Markets, as a petition launched to restore the building gains momentum.
In a statement on Friday, a spokesman for Dublin City Council said: "Following the decision by Lord Iveagh to withdraw security at the Iveagh Markets, Dublin City Council has today re-secured the building and organised 24 hour on-site security."
The well-known Markets, located on Francis Street, is a historic building that has been left abandoned since 1997.
Read more: Body discovered in 'unexplained circumstances' in Co Meath
The Iveagh Markets has a long history in the capital, and the building was originally owned by the first Earl of Iveagh.
It was gifted to the people of Dublin in 1906, and it attracted visitors to the capital for over 90 years. However, in the 1990s the building fell into dereliction and would require extensive restoration works to bring it back to its former glory.
In recent weeks, a petition was set up calling on hotelier and business man Martin Keane to stay true to his word and return the keys to the premises after he signed a lease with the Council over 20 years ago. Now the successful petition has amassed over 1,000 signatures since it was set up.
The organisers of the petition have pleaded with local government to get involved to save the beloved Iveagh Markets and to reach a deal so that restoration works could take place at the site. The petition can be signed here
READ NEXT:
- RTE Late Late Show viewers hail 'beyond brave' Dublin brothers as they open up about abuse at Blackrock College
- Dublin taxi man warns of 'rogue' drivers who are 'taking advantage'
- Dozens of flights cancelled in and out of Dublin Airport
- Dunnes Stores urgently recalls dinner item as it’s ‘unsafe’ to eat
- Fire brigade warns drivers of dangerous road conditions after spate of crashes
To get the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox sign up for our free newsletter
