Smithfield market refurbishment gets green light

The long-awaited refurbishment of Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market is set to begin next year.

This follows a meeting of Dublin City Council’s Central Area Committee last week which saw councillors unanimously pass a motion to support the redevelopment of the historic red brick building on Mary’s Lane which has been empty since 2019.

The motion, which was proposed by Labour Councillor for the North Inner City and Smithfield resident, Deborah Byrne, read:

‘’That Dublin City Council restates its support for the redevelopment of the Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market without further delay.

“That the Council dedicates itself to working with the Government, contractors, architects and engineers to remove any barriers to progress of the development of this site and to bring it into public use.”

“That the Council recognises the successful development of the Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market as providing a crucial amenity to residents of Dublin and as a positive example for the redevelopment of markets elsewhere in the city and that a clear timeline be put place for the redevelopment of the market.’’

Speaking following the vote, Councillor Byrne said: ‘’The Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market is an iconic piece of Dublin history. Having stood for over 130 years, it has a special place in the fabric of our city, and in the hearts of people who live in Dublin’s North Inner City especially.’

‘’Communities across the city desperately want to see the redevelopment of the Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market in a way which honours our past, and as an opportunity to develop a new social and cultural space for generations of Dubliners into the future.2

‘’I am thrilled to have received the unanimous support of my fellow North Inner City Councillors,” she said.

“With the adoption of my motion, we are calling on Dublin City Council to work with the Government and all interested parties to remove all barriers to the redevelopment of the Market, and to put a clear timeline in place for its redevelopment.”

“Once completed, a redeveloped Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market has the potential to breathe new life into the North Inner City.”

The Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market, operating as the Dublin Corporation Wholesale Markets,  opened in December 1892 and operated as a wholesale market until its closure in 2019.

The building was planned by the city architect Parke Neville in 1884 but was not executed until after his death by Spencer Harty and William Wilson with modifications.

The iron roof was made by J. Lysaght of Bristol while the iron tympana over the doors were made by McGloughlin & Sons.

Now future generations will be able to enjoy the historic market.

“This is a welcome development in light of the launch of Smithfield’s Pride of Place group which met last month,” Councillor Byrne said.

“With this group of passionate residents dedicated to reviving Smithfield as a cultural hub, and Smithfield’s recent naming as one of the Coolest Neighbourhoods in the world, I am confident that greater things lie ahead for the communities of Smithfield and the markets area.’’

Councillors were updated on the progress of the redevelopment of the Market at the meeting of the Central Area Committee where Councillor Byrne’s motion was passed.The planned refurbishment of the Market is scheduled to commence next year