Construction to bring the historic Fruit and Vegetable Market in the north city centre back to life is planned to begin by the start of next year.
Fruit and vegetables were sold in the Dublin City Council-owned market from 1892 until the doors were shut in 2019. Now, councillors have been told construction to refurbish the building will begin between Q4 of this year and Q1 of next year.
The design team for the construction tender have been appointed. They have been set a deadline of 26 weeks, or six and a half months, to report back with completed designs.
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A memo to councillors read: "This construction tender should issue in Q3 with anticipated construction programmed for commencement in late Q4 2023 or early Q1 2024."
The Part 8 planning application includes works to the roof, the demolition and reconstruction of the toilets and storage buildings, the provision of public parking and the provision of a 41m x 21m multiuse "games area" with an all-weather surface.
There will also be considerable works to bring water, power, drainage and signage to the proposed lots in the market. The application also includes the potential for a cafe/ restaurant and retail.
A number of events have been held in the market such as the Me Auld Flower food and drink festival. The market will still be available for events up until construction begins.
Plans to hold a number of events in the historic market had to be moved elsewhere due to requirements that had to be met by organisers.
The memo added: "Event organisers are required to bring in water, toilets, power supply, Wi-Fi provider and equipment, cleaning and waste management services, additional fire safety measures, noise monitoring, barriers, sound and stage equipment, security and Garda presence, as well as build an atmospheric event within the envelope of the building. The outcome has been that many events including Dublin City"
"Council proposals like the Lunar Festival, St Brigid’s Day and Bram Stoker have proved to be cost prohibitive and have moved to different locations in the city."
Last year, there were 22 requests to hold events in the market - five of which came to fruition. There have been 12 requests so far this year with only three progressing.
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