DCC appoints Purcell Construction Limited to deliver Phase 1 of Parnell Square Cultural Quarter

Dublin City Council has announced the appointment of Purcell Construction Limited as main contractor for Phase 1 of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project, with construction due to commence in the coming weeks.

The appointment marks a major milestone in the delivery of one of the most significant civic and cultural projects undertaken in Dublin in recent decades.

The project will anchor the transformation of Parnell Square into a vibrant cultural quarter centred around a new City Library, creating a unique destination that brings together literature, art, heritage and community while supporting the regeneration of Dublin’s north inner city.

Phase 1 will deliver a state-of-the-art City Library at Parnell Square North, comprising a new five-storey library building of more than 6,100 square metres together with the conservation and renewal of the historic Georgian terrace at Nos. 23–28 Parnell Square North, including the full refurbishment of No. 26.

The project also includes major upgrades to the Hugh Lane Gallery’s 1930s wing and the creation of a direct internal link through Charlemont House, establishing a seamless cultural corridor between the Gallery and the new City Library.

The new City Library will replace the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre, providing a modern, accessible and inclusive civic space designed to meet the needs of a growing capital city and to reflect Dublin’s internationally recognised status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

The development forms a central part of Dublin City Council’s wider city centre regeneration programme and is expected to act as a catalyst for economic, cultural and community renewal in the north inner city.

By increasing footfall, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and encouraging further investment, the project will contribute significantly to the long-term revitalisation of the area.

Located at the northern end of Dublin’s Civic Spine, the new library will strengthen connections between Parnell Square, O’Connell Street, College Green, Dame Street, Dublin Castle and Christchurch. Together with the Hugh Lane Gallery, it will create a major cultural destination and civic amenity for residents, workers and visitors alike.

Phase 1 has an estimated all-in project cost of €173.2 million. Funding is being provided through a combination of support from the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund and Dublin City Council resources.

Government support of €105.14 million has been confirmed, demonstrating a strong national commitment to the regeneration of Dublin city centre and the delivery of this landmark project.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron said,“The commencement of construction on the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter marks a defining moment for Dublin and for the future of our city centre. This landmark project will deliver a world-class City Library, restore and celebrate some of Dublin’s most important historic buildings, and create a vibrant cultural and civic destination in the heart of our capital. It is an investment in learning, creativity, heritage and community that will benefit Dubliners for generations to come.

This project will play a key role in the regeneration of Dublin city centre and the north inner city, bringing new life, activity and investment to the area. It strongly complements the work of the Dublin City Taskforce and our wider ambition to create a safer, more vibrant and more attractive city centre where people want to live, work, study, visit and enjoy all that Dublin has to offer.”

Welcoming the appointment of Purcell Construction Limited and the commencement of construction, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said, “I am very pleased today to be able to announce a significant step forward for this flagship project for the North Inner City. With investment of over €100 million through my Department’s Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, this Government is supporting the delivery of one of the most significant cultural and civic projects in the State. This significant investment highlights the Government’s commitment to revitalising this area and paving the way for further projects to be delivered in support of the Dublin City Taskforce. 

“The new City Library will provide a world-class public facility for Dublin while supporting regeneration, community development, and the sustainable reuse of our built heritage right here in the heart of the city centre. This is a project that will deliver lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for Dublin for future generations.

“As promised in the Programme for Government, the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund enables local authorities to deliver transformative and impactful projects right across the country. As we will no doubt see here in Dublin’s inner city through this project, this fund can help regenerate our towns and cities so they can become more attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to visit and invest in.”

Dublin City Council Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare said, This announcement is the culmination of many years of planning, design development and collaboration. The new City Library will be a landmark civic building that supports education, culture, creativity and lifelong learning while contributing significantly to the regeneration of Dublin’s north inner city. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders and the local community to successfully deliver this transformative project.”

Derek Timlin, Managing Director of Purcell Construction Limited said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Dublin City Council on the delivery of this landmark project. As construction gets underway, our focus will be on working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver a project of the highest quality while minimising impacts on the local community. We look forward to playing our part in creating a new City Library and cultural quarter that will become a source of pride for Dublin and a destination for visitors from Ireland and beyond.”

City Librarian Mairead Owens said,“The new City Library will be much more than a library. It will be a civic space where everyone feels welcome and included; a place to read, learn, create, collaborate and participate in the cultural life of the city. With maker spaces, creative studios, performance facilities, event spaces and modern learning environments, the library will support innovation, imagination and lifelong learning for generations to come.”