The reopening of the Iveagh Markets would spark rejuvenation in the Liberties.

That's the message from the organisers of a community celebration for the historic marketplace in Dublin today.

The Iveagh Markets in Dublin 8, situated on Francis Street was repossessed by Lord Iveagh in 2020, but Dublin City Council recently regained control of the site.

There was a clause in the original Deed of Conveyance from 1906, when the markets first opened, that previously allowed Lord Iveagh to reclaim the building because it had not been used as a market for number of years.

Now locals are breathing new life into the place, hoping for a successful end to the length High Court mediation process.

Generations of traders

Local shopkeeper, Noel Fleming, told Newstalk about the site's rich history and the many generations who have worked and shopped there.

"There are families who we hope will be here today who's great-great grandparents started off with stalls in the market and they continued right up until the time the market closed", he said.

"We're here to celebrate them and the fact that Dublin City Council has taken back over security of the market to help the mediation process to speed up."

Kathleen Dowdall was born and reared in Francis Street

Ms Dowdall's mother, grandmother, aunts and great-aunts sold at the Iveagh Markets.

She said she "was always in it".

Iveagh Markets, Dublin 8. Picture by: JJ Clarke.

Deirdre Cronin, who is standing in for Dublin City Councillor Tina MacVeigh, is a teacher in the local school, St Brigid's.

She said that the Iveagh Markets has always been an "iconic building" even since its closure.

"I've been here 20 years now teaching and it's always been shut, getting more dilapidated, more derelict as the time went on", she said.

"Yet, it's an absolutely beautiful building."

'Brilliant stories'

Ms Cronin has heard "brilliant stories" about the landmark from families who've been in the area for generations.

"It just seems like it's a huge loss to the community, not to have [it] open and vibrant and used", she said.

"I think there's a huge demand in the area, not just for markets but for community space."

She added: "The actual potential there for doing something really amazing is very real."

Ms Cronin is calling on the State to work with Dublin City Council to fund its renovation.

Today, people gathered for music and conversation to commemorate the old trading ground.

Supporters of the market's reopening gather for music. Picture by: JJ Clarke

Main image shows the Iveagh Markets in Dublin 8. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie