Restoration works on Kilmainham Mill begins after 20+ years of quiet

Repair works on the Kilmainham Mill on Rowerstown Lane began last week, after the building remained unoccupied since 2000.

The Mill, which dates back to the early 19^th century, was acquired by Dublin City Council in 2018.

It served as a flour mill throughout the early 19^th century before being used for textile production at the turn of the century.

The Mill ceased all operations in 2000 and has been unused ever since but is listed as a Protected Structure by the local authority.

The enabling works, which include asbestos removal, roof repair, floor propping, windows and doors repair, protection of industrial machinery, and clearance of debris, are intended to secure and make the building safe ahead of a planned conservation-led redevelopment project.

Dublin City Councill says the conservation project will ultimately open the mill up to the public creating a cultural hub in the Kilmainham area.

The work will be overseen by Howley Hayes Cooney Architects and is anticipated to take about eight months, with the final redevelopments set to happen next summer.

Work on the Mill was set to begin last year but was paused in October 2021 due to labour shortages.

A group, called the Save Kilmainham Mill Campaign, which has been advocating for the preservation and restoration of the Mill since 2014 said it welcomed the development.

In an online post, the group said “today is a dawn of a new day.

“A day that will see contractors start the enabling works on the old mill. This should take roughly seven to eight months.

“Looking forward to seeing how things progresses over this time span.”

Local Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon said the development is “really welcome news for the area, as Kilmainham Mill has been in limbo for so long.

“The historical building have been let to rot over the years,” he says.

“Parts of the roof have fallen in, floors have collapsed, and windows broken.”

Pidgeon says that the Mill complex “is a beautiful spot and I think there’s a lot of support locally to put them to good use.

“There are some plans for a cultural use for the site, but those are very loose at the moment.

“I want to see more detail on those plans, but firmly believe that the site should be useable and accessible for Dubliners to enjoy,” he says.