Two children and their dog at the Iveagh Market in Dublin in the 80's Eamonn farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

DUBLIN’S HISTORIC IVEAGH Market, a red-bricked Victorian building in the Liberties, is to undergo a multi-million euro transformation.

The market, which is located on Francis St, will be overhauled by hotelier and publican Martin Keane, the Irish Times reported today.

The market was built by the Iveagh Trust in 1890.

People browse for second hand shoes and clothes at the Iveagh Street Market in Dublin in the 80's Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

The market was home to street traders and was designed by Frederick G Hicks, and the building was opened to the public in 1906. It has been in the hands of Dublin City Council for a number of years, and the market itself was closed in the 1990s.

An Taisce describes the condition of the market as “very poor” and says its level of risk is “critical”.

Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

On its website, An Taisce notes:

This building has been vacant for a number of years and does not appear to be maintained. Most of the external fabric remains, but there are obvious signs of deterioration, particularly water penetration, slipped slates and vegetation growth. There is no immediate danger of collapse but the condition is such that unless urgent remedial works are carried out the building will sharply deteriorate.

The Irish Times reports that the site will be turned into a food and crafts market – and that there will also be a 90-bedroom hotel on the site’s adjoining structures. It says the project is expected to be completed in 2017.

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