Process to redevelop Dublin’s Iconic General Post Office Complex Agreed by Government

The Government has today agreed the first steps in a process to redevelop the General Post Office (GPO) Complex in Dublin City Centre.

The future GPO Complex redevelopment project sits within a broader context of actions set out in the Government's Roadmap for Delivery of the Dublin City Taskforce Report. The goal is to make Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive, and safe city; and a desirable location to live, work, do business and visit. The GPO Complex redevelopment project, which will be managed by the OPW, is central to the delivery of the Roadmap. This flagship initiative is of national significance in our capital city. As such, it will respect history, heritage, environmental and social responsibility and deliver an enduring outcome, representing value for many generations to come.

The Government today agreed that the ownership of the GPO Complex should transfer to the Office of Public Works from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

In due course, the OPW will prepare design proposals for the future use of the GPO Complex, which will be subject to Government approval. Before that happens, a wide-ranging public consultation process will begin later this year to seek the views of all stakeholders.

The consultation will facilitate a national conversation about the future of the GPO Complex through an engaging programme of public events. The feedback gathered from these events will help to shape design proposals in a patient, creative, inclusive, and respectful manner.

The Government agreed that, given the significant nature of this project due to its historic and cultural history, the Department of the Taoiseach will chair a Steering Group which will guide and oversee the Non-Statutory Public Consultation and Engagement Process.

Concurrently, as part of the Consultation and Engagement process, the Office of Public Works intends to bring some of the, presently, under-used parts of the current GPO Complex into use on a temporary basis. A Temporary Meanwhile Use proposal will be developed by the Office of Public Works to keep as much as possible of the GPO complex, which is a Protected Structure, in continued use while the detailed design proposals are progressed.

The Temporary Meanwhile Use proposal is intended to maximise use by continuing to provide office space to Government on a temporary basis and to provide community and events space to engage with the wider community and the public. Community and civic society groups will get the opportunity to make submissions to use the temporary spaces following an open call, which will be facilitated by Dublin City council in the coming months.

The public consultation process and the Temporary Meanwhile Use proposal mark important first steps in a transparent and structured programme to progress the future of the GPO Complex. Subject to the outcome from both these processes, and consistent with current Government commitments, it is anticipated that the future GPO Complex will incorporate at least some, or all, of the following uses:

1. Public Post Office
2. Significant Culture use/uses
3. Public Realm enhancements
4. Office accommodation for Government to replace and enhance accommodation previously occupied by An Post.
5. Retail elements within the existing retail footprint.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

"The redevelopment of the GPO is of crucial importance to the nation. The complex's history and heritage place it at the centre of Irish culture and bringing it back to glory is key to the rejuvenation of Dublin. An Oversight Board in my Department is coordinating the work of teams across Government, and in the OPW and Dublin City Council, to implement the Roadmap for Delivery of the Dublin City Taskforce Report. As part of that programme of work, the GPO's redevelopment represents an important milestone."

Tánaiste Simon Harris said:

"The redevelopment of the GPO Complex is a priority for Government. I welcome the transfer of ownership of the GPO from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to the Office of Public Works agreed today. This site has enormous potential, and I am particularly looking forward to hearing the views of people all over the country as to how it should be developed."

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said,

"This is an exciting and visionary project for the country. The public will want to see us achieving value for money on this project, which is why, prior to any design proposals being brought forward, a wide-ranging Public Consultation process will commence later this year."

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin "Boxer" Moran said,

"The redevelopment of the GPO Complex marks a pivotal moment in our city's history, preserving the legacy of one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks while creating a vibrant, inclusive urban renewal. Through public consultation and creative temporary uses, we want to ensure that the GPO complex remains an integral part of our city for communities, businesses and the general public to enjoy for years to come".

Office of Public Works Chairman, John Conlon said,

"The Office of Public Works welcomes this incredible opportunity to lead an exciting next chapter for the GPO complex. It is an immense privilege to continue our role at this landmark site at the heart of our nation's story. This building was first built by the Board of Works and then significantly expanded by the Office of Public Works over a period of two centuries. Once more, we set out to ensure its prominent role in the century ahead. We look forward to working with our colleagues across Government and Dublin City Council as we advance this milestone project."

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Frank Feighan said,

"I warmly welcome the commencement of this important redevelopment process for the GPO Complex. This project represents a unique opportunity to revitalise a landmark of profound national significance, ensuring it continues to serve the public while contributing to a vibrant and inclusive city centre."

State Architect and Principal Architect Office of Public Works, Conor Sreenan said,

"While prominent on O'Connell Street, the impressive stone and brick GPO Complex also commands a significant presence along Prince's St North, Henry Street and through the GPO Arcade. The GPO Complex has endured abrupt adaptation, extensive repair and several phased extensions; it bears this history of continuous change well. The first step towards the redevelopment of this courtyard city block will be a patient public consultation. In time, we will prepare ambitious proposals for new sequences of spaces and places within the GPO Complex, and improved connections with the streets around it. The project will progress in a considered manner and with care to make sure that design proposals are engaging, enduring and environmentally responsible. While they will be civic and generous, the proposals will be respectful of heritage, social history, and will represent value for money."

For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/campaigns/gpo-complex-redevelopment/

ENDS

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Notes to Editor

1. Implementation of the Roadmap for Delivery of the Dublin City Taskforce Report is being directed and overseen by an Oversight Board chaired by Department of the Taoiseach comprising all relevant departments and agencies including the OPW and Dublin City Council.
2. The public consultation and engagement process and the Temporary Meanwhile Use proposal for the GPO Complex Redevelopment Project will comply with all requirements of the infrastructure guidelines to ensure value for money. the Department of the Taoiseach will chair a Steering Group which will guide and oversee the Non-Statutory Public Consultation and Engagement Process.
3. The estimated cost range for the project is between €200m and €500m. The project is included in the OPW's Sector Investment Plan 2026-2030. The overall timeline for the delivery of the future GPO Complex Redevelopment Project will be subject to the outcomes of the public consultation and engagement process.
4. As part of ongoing efforts to accelerate the delivery of Infrastructure - Government launched a new service to accelerate major capital investment projects. The first of two projects to benefit from the initiative is the redevelopment of the GPO Complex.
5. The future GPO Complex Redevelopment Project will have due regard to the National Policy on Architecture: Places for People, approved by Government in 2022.