Fruit & Vegetable Market refurbishment project

Earlier this month, Dublin City Councillors agreed the Council’s three year Capital Programme worth €3.448billion. A key project as part of that programme is the refurbishment of the Fruit and Veg Market building, just off Capel Street.

This has been a project which I have long supported and I am determined to see delivered over the next few years. I believe the delivery of a Irish food market will be a significant attraction for the city to bring locals, Dubliners and tourists alike to the Smithfield area. It will provide opportunities for community growers, start-up food businesses as well as enabling more established local producers a direct route to market with some being able to produce on site. Markets’ householders and local residents will be able to do their weekly food shops, dine in new restaurants or at  traders’ stalls.

Ultimately, the refurbished Fruit & Veg Market will be a catalyst for further regeneration and an opportunity to support the growing gastro food industry in the north-west inner city.

Dublin City Council sought tenders from potential contractors to undertake the construction and conservation works to the original building. A preferred contractor has been selected, and on foot of Councillors approving the borrowing capacity and Government sanctioning it, I expect works to begin on site in May or June. All going to plan, work should be complete by the middle of 2027.

During the construction phase, the City Council will finalise the process to select an operator to fit out and manage the 7-day food market in line with the planning permission approved by Councillors.

I will continue to keep you updated on developments with this project but if you would like more information, please contact me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com.