Max HeyraudDublin City Council has granted planning permission for a new food hall in the vacant St Andrew’s Church on Suffolk Street, marking an exciting redevelopment for one of the city’s most prominent historic buildings.
Yesterday, Fáilte Ireland received the go-ahead to transform the long-empty St Andrew’s Church into a food hall. The church, located just steps from the bustling Grafton Street and behind the Molly Malone statue, is set to be revitalised as a premier destination showcasing the finest local and Irish produce.
Laura McCarthy, Manager of Corporate Services at Fáilte Ireland, highlighted the potential economic and cultural benefits in a letter to the council. “This project could become a key asset for the city centre, adding value for local residents, workers, and visitors from home and abroad,” she said. McCarthy also emphasised the importance of food tourism to Ireland’s economy, noting it generates approximately €2 billion annually.
“In order to generate and sustain further economic opportunity and economic development, we need to create iconic food and drink experiences, the proposed change of use and redevelopment of St Andrew’s would be the embodiment of that vision.”
David Mulcahy of David Mulcahy Planning Consultants added, “The concept of a food/dining hall, which is essentially a permanent indoor market with associated dining facilities, is well established in most European cities and they are very popular for tourists, city residents and local employees.”
