Due to Storm Barra, the roof of the Iveagh Market in the Liberties is facing “certain collapse”. Activists have called for Dublin City Council to deliver on promised urgent repairs of the historic building.

The market, built in 1902 by Lord Iveagh, Edward Cecil Guinness, has been derelict for more than 20 years and is the subject of an ongoing legal dispute. Late last year, the Guinness family repossessed the building in the latest twist in an ongoing ownership saga.

The current Lord Iveagh, Edward Guinness, wants to restore the market but has estimated the full restoration will likely cost around 23 million euro.

Activists have argued that this ownership struggle should not prevent Dublin City Council from carrying out urgent repairs to save the building from collapse.

In a statement from September, the Liberties Cultural Association said the condition of the Iveagh Market demanded immediate attention.

“The markets require urgent and essential arresting action….Liberties Cultural Association are asking for all parties to come together and come up with a solution. It’s up to them to solve the problem.”

For over 75 years, the Iveagh Market housed a large number of Dublin’s traders under a 99-year lease agreement between the Guinness family and Dublin Corporation.

Dublin’s market culture has declined significantly this year alone, with Dublin Flea Market ceasing operations due to lack of venues and increased costs.

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