Dublin City Council Launches Refurbishment of the Historic Fruit and Vegetable Market, Dublin 7

Dublin City Council today formally launched the comprehensive refurbishment of the Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dublin 7. The launch was officiated jointly by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, Minister James Browne, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Minister Paschal Donohoe, Department of Finance, marking the commencement of works on one of Dublin’s most significant historic trading venues.

The Market, established in 1892, is a notable landmark in the north inner city. While historically a hub of wholesale activity, its use declined in recent decades as traders relocated to suburban facilities, and surrounding warehousing underwent change. The current redevelopment seeks to introduce a modern retail food market while preserving its Victorian architectural character.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam launching the project said, “The Fruit and Vegetable Market is the jewel of Dublin’s north inner city. This refurbishment protects its heritage while giving it new life. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, linking Smithfield to the city core. A living landmark, restored for today and ready for generations to come.”

Minister James Browne, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, commented, “The Fruit and Vegetable Market is an outstanding example of Dublin’s built heritage. The support provided through € 9.5 million from my Department’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund demonstrates the Government’s commitment to conserving historic structures while promoting sustainable urban regeneration. This project will deliver long-term benefits for the local community and the city at large.”

Minister Paschal Donohoe, Department of Finance added, “The Fruit and Vegetable Market is a cornerstone of Dublin’s commercial and cultural heritage. This refurbishment represents a careful balance between preserving its historic character and economic life of the city. It will provide a renewed, functional space for the community, traders, and visitors.”

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council, said, “This project is of strategic importance for Dublin City Council. The refurbishment will provide a high-quality, sustainable retail food market, enhancing both the local economy and the public realm. It also exemplifies the Council’s commitment to the careful conservation of protected structures while fostering urban regeneration.”

Derek Timlin, Managing Director, Purcell Construction, said, “Purcell Construction is proud to mark the official sod turning of the Fruit and Veg Market in Smithfield. This project represents an exciting milestone for the community and reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable and restorative construction. 

“We are honoured to partner with Dublin City Council and all stakeholders in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to delivering a project that will stand as a source of pride for the local community and businesses for generations to come.”

The project has a 112-week programme, under the oversight of the  Louise Cotter, of Cotter Naessen Architects and the Integrated Design Team and Dublin City Council staff. A Community Liaison Officer has been appointed to ensure engagement with residents and stakeholders throughout the works.

Upon completion, the refurbished Fruit and Vegetable Market will be handed over for fit out as a retail Market. It is envisaged as landmark destination for Dublin, preserving its Victorian heritage while providing a modern, sustainable retail food market and public space. The project will create opportunities for traders, stimulate local regeneration, and provide a focal point for the community.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor: 

Project Background     
A Part 8 Application for the refurbishment of the Fruit and Vegetable Market, including the former Fish Market site and associated yards, was lodged in October 2014 and approved in March 2015. Sitting tenants vacated in August 2019, enabling works to commence.

• Phase 1 (completed 2018) involved redevelopment of the car park on the former Fish Market site at Mary’s Lane and St Michan’s Street, including provision for wholesale parking, a public car park, a multi-use games area, public realm improvements, tree planting, and greening interventions.
• Phase 2 – the redevelopment of the Market building – was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, given the reliance of markets on face-to-face trade. URDF funding was secured in November 2022, an Integrated Design Team appointed in February 2023, and a construction tender issued in August 2024. Purcell Construction Ltd was appointed as contractor in June 2025.

Scope of Works
The refurbishment will be undertaken within the curtilage of the protected Victorian structure, covering approximately 6,000 sqm of trading space, with an additional 2,000 sqm in the Daisy Market and Chancery Street yards. Key works include:

• Roof restoration including replacement of glazing, slates, rainwater goods, solar panels, and repair of stonework.
• Refurbishment of cast iron uprights, brickwork, ironwork, and 15 large-scale doors.
• Upgrading of drainage, potable water, electrical, and data services, with ducting beneath floors.
• Redevelopment of offices, installation of new toilet blocks and staff welfare facilities, and provision of a restaurant and food demonstration area.
• At Daisy Yard, provision for service areas, waste management, deliveries, refrigeration, finishing kitchen, plant, and machinery.
• At Chancery Street Yard, creation of a public entrance and outdoor space for farmers’ markets, with improved drainage, canopies, and landscaping.
• Comprehensive enhancement of the public realm, including lighting, planting, and boundary improvements.

Progress to Date (2025)
Following Council approval for borrowings of up to €30 million (Report 77/2025) and Ministerial approval, construction commenced on 9 June 2025. To date, activities have included:

• Archaeological investigations in Daisy and Chancery yards.
• Asbestos removal and salvage of heritage materials.
• Demolition of approved structures and strip-out of redundant offices, pipework, and electrical installations.
• Installation of a site compound, hoarding with project branding, and ongoing utility connections