Dublin City Council has announced the appointment of Purcell Construction Limited as main contractor for Phase 1 of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project. The construction works on the project are due to commence in the coming weeks.
Moreover, the appointment marks a major milestone in the delivery of one of the most significant civic and cultural projects undertaken in Dublin in recent decades. Also, the project will anchor the transformation of Parnell Square into a vibrant cultural quarter centred around a new City Library. This will create a unique destination that brings together literature, art, heritage and community. Moreover, it will support the regeneration of Dublin’s north inner city. This project comes as Dublin gears up to improve its overall infrastructure encompassing transport and buildings.
Scope of Phase 1
Phase 1 will deliver a state-of-the-art City Library at Parnell Square North, comprising a new five-storey library building of more than 6,100 square metres together with the conservation and renewal of the historic Georgian terrace at Nos. 23–28 Parnell Square North, including the full refurbishment of No. 26. Also, the project includes major upgrades to the Hugh Lane Gallery’s 1930s wing and the creation of a direct internal link through Charlemont House, establishing a seamless cultural corridor between the Gallery and the new City Library.
The new City Library will replace the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre, providing a modern, accessible and inclusive civic space designed to meet the needs of a growing capital city and to reflect Dublin’s internationally recognised status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Part of a Bigger Programme
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. By increasing footfall, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and encouraging further investment, the project will contribute significantly to the long-term revitalisation of the area.
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. Together with the Hugh Lane Gallery, it will create a major cultural destination and civic amenity for residents, workers and visitors alike.
Cost of Phase 1
Phase 1 has an estimated all-in project cost of €173.2 million. Funding is being provided through a combination of support from the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund and Dublin City Council resources. Government support of €105.14 million has been confirmed, demonstrating a strong national commitment to the regeneration of Dublin city centre and the delivery of this landmark project.
Parnell Square Cultural Quarter Phase 1: Project Factsheet
Project Name: Parnell Square Cultural Quarter (Phase 1)
Lead Authority: Dublin City Council
Main Contractor: Purcell Construction Limited
Project Status: Contractor appointed; construction commencing August 2026
Target Completion: 2029 (Grand opening planned for 2030)
Strategic Role: Anchor civic project forming the northern terminus of Dublin’s “Civic Spine”
Financials & Funding
- Total Estimated All-in Cost: €173.2 million
- Government Grant Funding: €105.14 million (via Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund)
- Co-Funding Partner: Dublin City Council internal resources
Physical Scope and Engineering Specifications
A. New City Library
- Structure: 5-storey modern civic building
- Floor Area: 6,100 m²
- Replacement Target: Replaces the existing Central Library at the Ilac Centre
- Facilities and Amenities: Modern learning environments, maker spaces, creative studios, performance facilities, event spaces, rooftop terrace, and café
B. Historic Conservation & Adaptive Reuse
- Georgian Terrace Works: Conservation and structural renewal of Nos. 23–28 Parnell Square North
- Deep Refurbishment: Complete restoration of No. 26 Parnell Square North
C. Cultural Corridor Integration
- Hugh Lane Gallery Upgrades: Major structural and interior upgrades to the gallery’s 1930s wing
- Interconnection: Creation of a direct internal link through Charlemont House to connect the Hugh Lane Gallery directly to the new City Library
Location and Strategic Alignment
- Site Location: Parnell Square North, Dublin 1 (Opposite Garden of Remembrance)
- Civic Connectivity: Connects Parnell Square-O’Connell Street- College Green- Dame Street- Dublin Castle- Christchurch
- Cultural Designation: Aligns with Dublin’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature
- Policy Alignment: Core pillar of the Dublin City Centre Regeneration Programme and Dublin City Taskforce initiatives
Project Team
Client and Lead Authority: Dublin City Council
Main Contractor: Purcell Construction Limited
Multi-Disciplinary Design Team Lead: AECOM Ireland
Architect: Hawkins\Brown Architecture
Structural and Civil Engineering: AECOM Ireland
Building Services Engineering (MEP): AECOM Ireland
Acoustic Engineering: AWN Consulting
Fire Safety Engineering: Jensen Hughes
Project Safety Supervisor (PSDS): Chris Mee Group
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