Dublin launches plan for cultural quarter

Plans have been unveiled for a €60m cultural quarter in one of Dublin’s finest Georgian squares.

A new city library will be the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Parnell Square, at the head of the capital’s main thoroughfare O’Connell Street, under the proposals.

Dublin City Council said Beverly Hills-based property investment company Kennedy Wilson was donating €2.5m “on a philanthropic basis” to get the project off the ground.

The firm will spearhead a drive to raise the remaining €57.5m needed from investors to complete the overhaul.

Lord Mayor Naoise O Muiri said the new public landmark will inspire the physical and economic regeneration of the historic area.

“Parnell Square is the first and finest of Dublin’s Georgian squares. The area has a rich and important history with philanthropic origins,” he said.

“This bold and visionary project can act as a catalyst for regeneration across the city, drawing Dubliners and visitors of all ages in new directions and creating new business opportunities.”

The north side of the square will be pedestrianised and a new civic plaza created to link the new library with the existing Hugh Lane Gallery as well as the Irish Writers Centre and the Dublin Writers Museum.