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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Dan Grennan

Iveagh Markets campaigner calls for action before 'someone dies' in rave

An Iveagh Markets campaigner has called on Dublin City Council to secure the markets before "someone dies".

There has been "increasing" incidents of anti-social behaviour at the site and locals are in fear a rave could be organised on the site soon after a young man recently took a video from inside the Iveagh Market's site and discussed organising a rave.

Andy O'Connell from the Reclaim the Iveagh Markets Campaign told Dublin Live it was time for action as there was a break in as recently as last night.

Read more: Dublin 8 cultural festival sees concerts and tours taking place in the area

Locals in the Liberties have been calling for the site to be redeveloped to its former glory.

He said: "The last thing you want is a hundred people in their having a rave. At the side of the site, there is an excavated hole and it is massive.

"The drop from the roadway you come into that building to the hole is about 20 feet and then you have about seven or eight feet of water.

"Somebody's life is going to be lost if they don't act and address the situation."

He added: "There have been a number of issues in recent weeks which seem to be gathering pace. The campaign has been pushing Dublin City Council to take charge of the building.

"There is seemingly no security on the site."

An outhouse to the rear of the Iveagh Markets was broken into recently, Andy says, and a party took place where personal belongings were damaged.

He said: "A couple of residents contacted us recently to say there had been a lot of anti-social behaviour at the rear of the market on Lamb Alley.

"There is an outhouse building there at the rear of Lamb Alley that was broken into and the Guards were notified.

He added: "A number of youths have been getting access to the site through the apartment complex which borders three sides of the market - Lamb Alley, Thomas Street and Francis Street. There is a complex there that has access to the site via a number of walls which young lads can get over and drop into the site.

The Reclaim the Iveagh Markets campaign wants the site redeveloped "holistically" for the whole community.

Andy said: "Our ideal situation on this has always been that Dublin City Council and Lord Iveagh redevelop it holistically for the community to benefit from."

Dublin City Council did not respond to a request for comment from Dublin Live.

Read more: Fears iconic Iveagh Markets will 'go beyond repair' if not refurbished soon

Read more: Footage shows historic Iveagh Markets in ruins after lying derelict for over 20 years

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