- Dublin City Council has appointed Purcell Construction as main contractor for Phase 1 of the Parnell Square project
- The project will deliver a five-storey City Library and restore Georgian terrace buildings
- Phase 1 costs €173.2m with €105.14m Government support confirmed
- The development will create a cultural corridor between the Library and Hugh Lane Gallery
- The new City Library will replace the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre
Dublin City Council has appointed Purcell Construction Limited as main contractor for Phase 1 of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project, with construction due to commence in the coming weeks. The appointment marks a major milestone in one of the most significant civic and cultural projects undertaken in Dublin in recent decades.
Phase 1 will deliver a five-storey City Library of more than 6,100 square metres, together with the conservation of the historic Georgian terrace at Nos. 23–28 Parnell Square North. The project includes major upgrades to the Hugh Lane Gallery’s 1930s wing and the creation of a direct internal link through Charlemont House. The new City Library will replace the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre, providing a modern, accessible and inclusive civic space for Dublin’s growing population.
The project has an estimated all-in cost of €173.2m, with Government support of €105.14m confirmed through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. The development forms a central part of Dublin City Council’s city centre regeneration programme and is expected to act as a catalyst for economic, cultural and community renewal in the north inner city. The new library will strengthen connections between Parnell Square, O’Connell Street, College Green, Dublin Castle and Christchurch.
Lord Mayor Daryl Barron shared “the commencement of construction on the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter marks a defining moment for Dublin and for the future of our city centre, delivering a world-class City Library and creating a vibrant cultural and civic destination.”
