Market in D7 set for big changes

PLANS to redevelop Dublin’s iconic wholesale fruit and vegetable markets in Dublin 7 have been given the thumbs up by the city’s councillors this week.
The protected Victorian structure at Mary’s Lane is set for a major revamp which will include a part change of use from wholesale trading to wholesale and retail trading.
This will involve part of the site becoming a retail food market and cafe/restaurant within the existing wholesale food market.
Speaking to The Gazette about the approved plans, Cllr Ciaran Cuffe (GP) said: “I think the plan is an exciting one to change the markets and provide a retail market as well as the existing wholesale market.
“It is important that the rights of the existing wholesalers are protected, but I think the time is right to open up a new phase for the markets and attract in everyday shoppers for good value fruit and vegetables.”
There were concerns by existing wholesalers over loading and parking implications as well as the lack of consultation before the plan was proposed.
Cllr Cuffe said: “The [council] manager said he will look at the traffic issues and he will look at the concerns around access for the wholesalers. I think they can be easily resolved.”
There are also plans to build a multi-use games area (MUGA) near St Michan’s Street Flats which Cllr Cuffe said would be of great benefit to the area.
“For a long time we have had an aspiration to provide for a sports facility for kids in the area and the plans were amended to include this games area on the old fish market’s site. That will probably be provided before the fruit markets are refurbished.
“Local kids have been waiting a long time for a kick-about space and this mixed-used games area will be part of the plans, and this is really good news.”
Work on splitting the market into retail and wholesale space is set to get under way next year.