Heritage contractor Kelbuild is set to commence work on the roof of the historic market hall in January
11.12.25
Dublin City Council, with the support of funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, has announced that Kelbuild Ltd. has been appointed to undertake the emergency repair and stabilisation works at the Iveagh Markets on Francis Street.
The historic market hall, which has been languishing in dereliction for over 20 years after a failed private sector redevelopment, will finally see a multi-million programme of investment to restore the building’s roof. Extensive degradation of the roof in recent years had culminated in the collapse of some parts in 2023, threatening the structural integrity of the market and spurring this now proposed work.
An initial phase of work in 2024, safeguarded the structure and allowed detailed surveying and design of a new roof to be undertaken. While these surveys found that the structural steel elements of the roof were sound, it exposed significant damage and loss of elements such as timber, glass and slates.
In addition, the surveys highlighted the precarious condition of the building’s ornate cast iron internal balcony. The excavation of the floor of the market in the early 2000’s to undertake archaeological investigations had exposed a series of brick piers that support the columns of the main balcony. As these brick piers were not intended to be exposed for long period, there was a concern that the piers would degrade further unless they were reinforced and protected.
From January, work on the building will see extensive repairs to the roofs, valleys and rainwater disposal systems; protection and securing of windows and doors; securing of the structural columns which have been exposed; repairing of walls and parapets; removal of lead paint and provision of safe access to facilitate regular inspection and maintenance.
The contract will be overseen by Conservation Architects Howley Hayes Cooney, together with CORA Structural Engineers and Austin Reddy Quantity Surveyors.
Kelbuild Ltd. are expected to go on site in mid- January 2026 and the project is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
