Purcell Construction appointed to €173m Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project
Dublin City Council has appointed Purcell Construction Limited as main contractor for Phase 1 of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter – New City Library project, with construction due to commence in the coming weeks.
With an estimated all-in project cost of €173.2 million, the development represents one of the most significant civic and cultural projects undertaken in Dublin in recent decades.
Phase 1 will deliver a new five-storey City Library of more than 6,100 sq m at Parnell Square North, alongside the conservation and renewal of the historic Georgian terrace at Nos. 23–28 Parnell Square North, including the full refurbishment of No. 26.
The project will also include major upgrades to the Hugh Lane Gallery’s 1930s wing and the creation of a direct internal link through Charlemont House, establishing a cultural connection between the Gallery and the new City Library.
Major investment in Dublin city centre
The new City Library will replace the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre and provide a modern, accessible and inclusive civic space designed to meet the needs of a growing capital city and reflect Dublin’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The development forms a central part of Dublin City Council’s wider city centre regeneration programme and is expected to act as a catalyst for economic, cultural and community renewal in the north inner city.
Located at the northern end of Dublin’s Civic Spine, the new library will strengthen connections between Parnell Square, O’Connell Street, College Green, Dame Street, Dublin Castle and Christchurch.
Funding for Phase 1 is being provided through Dublin City Council resources and the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, with Government support of €105.14 million confirmed for the project.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron said: “The commencement of construction on the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter marks a defining moment for Dublin and for the future of our city centre. This landmark project will deliver a world-class City Library, restore and celebrate some of Dublin’s most important historic buildings, and create a vibrant cultural and civic destination in the heart of our capital. It is an investment in learning, creativity, heritage and community that will benefit Dubliners for generations to come.
“This project will play a key role in the regeneration of Dublin city centre and the north inner city, bringing new life, activity and investment to the area. It strongly complements the work of the Dublin City Taskforce and our wider ambition to create a safer, more vibrant and more attractive city centre where people want to live, work, study, visit and enjoy all that Dublin has to offer.”
Government commits more than €105m
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed the progress on the project.
“I am very pleased today to be able to announce a significant step forward for this flagship project for the North Inner City. With investment of over €100 million through my Department’s Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, this Government is supporting the delivery of one of the most significant cultural and civic projects in the State,” he said.
“The new City Library will provide a world-class public facility for Dublin while supporting regeneration, community development, and the sustainable reuse of our built heritage right here in the heart of the city centre. This is a project that will deliver lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for Dublin for future generations.”
Dublin City Council Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare said the announcement was the culmination of many years of planning, design development and collaboration.
“The new City Library will be a landmark civic building that supports education, culture, creativity and lifelong learning while contributing significantly to the regeneration of Dublin’s north inner city. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders and the local community to successfully deliver this transformative project.”
Purcell Construction to deliver Phase 1
Derek Timlin, Managing Director of Purcell Construction Limited, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dublin City Council on the delivery of this landmark project.
“As construction gets underway, our focus will be on working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver a project of the highest quality while minimising impacts on the local community. We look forward to playing our part in creating a new City Library and cultural quarter that will become a source of pride for Dublin and a destination for visitors from Ireland and beyond.”
City Librarian Mairead Owens said the new facility would be “much more than a library”.
“It will be a civic space where everyone feels welcome and included; a place to read, learn, create, collaborate and participate in the cultural life of the city. With maker spaces, creative studios, performance facilities, event spaces and modern learning environments, the library will support innovation, imagination and lifelong learning for generations to come.”
______________________________________________________________________________________
Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
