Renovation and conservation work on Smithfield Market could start as early as next year, a Dublin City Councillor has said. 

The council has set aside a significant sum of money for the restoration work on what was once a thriving fruit and vegetable market and Cllr Janet Horner says her constituents are keen to see the project proceed. 

“At the moment, the design team has been appointed for the conservation works,” she told Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie.

“So, hopefully in 2023 we’ll see conservation works ongoing in the market buildings making sure that it is a fit for purpose building. 

“What has to happen after that and what I think people are really interested in, is having it kitted out as a market and then appointing an operator, so that we can actually have a market that is open to the public.” 

Cllr Horner predicted that once completed the market would play a “huge part [in] the regeneration and revival of this community in this part of the city.” 

Out on the streets of the north inner city, locals were quick to bring up the fond memories they had of the original market. 

“I remember my mother going down and buying holly for Christmas,” one woman said. 

The return of the market would “bring a bit of life back into it,” she added. 

Many years ago, Derek O’Keefe worked in the market and he says there was always a great camaraderie between those who worked there. 

“There was a great atmosphere,” he recalled. 

“There was always a great buzz.” 

He described the closure as “a catastrophe” and hopes the renovation could draw in tourists and locals alike - much like the English Market in Cork does. 

But could he ever be convinced to return to a life on the stalls?  

“Not at this stage in life,” he said

“But I think it’d be a great business for someone, stallholders or whatever.”  

Main image: Smithfield Market, Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com