The Iveagh Markets on Francis Street in Dublin's south inner city has been derelict for more than twenty years.

Planning permission to turn the building into a European-style food hall has lapsed twice, most recently in 2017.

Last year Dublin City Council moved to repossess the building after expressing frustration that it had been vacant for so long.

I've been speaking to developer Martin Keane about his new proposal for an Iveagh Market Quarter in Dublin 8, which would involve building two hotels and a hostel beside the old market building. Listen back to @PatKennyNT here: https://t.co/btHzTqRgn0 #IveaghMarkets #pknt pic.twitter.com/vhFm9QYWDp

— Aideen Finnegan (@AideenFinnegan) March 6, 2019

However the developer Martin Keane has pointed to circumstances beyond his control which have prevented him from delivering the project.

Now the publican and hotelier has drawn up new plans to restore and revamp the market, with a proposal to build two hotels and hostel on an adjoining site.

Mr. Keane is seeking a pre-planning consultation with Dublin City Council and he's been speaking to Aideen Finnegan for The Pat Kenny Show.