Scaffolding has been erected around the historic Market House in Enniscorthy as Tom O’Brien Construction commence the refurbishment of this iconic building for Wexford County Council which is expected to take about six months to complete.

The same company completed the restoration of Enniscorthy Courthouse which is serving as the main office for Enniscorthy Municipal District Council while the Market Square project is in progress.

Speaking to WexfordToday.com last September, Ger Mackey, District Manager said; “The Market Square building has not undergone any significant investment for quite some time and as a result, it lacks the modern facilities and services expected in a public services’ building today. Wexford County Council is investing approximately €1 million in a major refurbishment programme to modernise the building. The public will be able to enjoy much improved public facilities, including measures to improve privacy for those visiting the building, disabled access to floors above ground level, works to weather-proof the building and a significant upgrade of the telecommunications system.

“These much-needed refurbishment works will help ensure this iconic building reaches its full potential, not only in terms of improved public access to Council services in the Enniscorthy District for many years to come, but also in contributing to a rejuvenation of Enniscorthy’s Market Square and surrounding areas”, concluded Mr. Mackey.

Market House is a significant building in Enniscorthy, with a rich history and prominent location in the centre of the town. The Market House was built circa 1813 as a five-bay two-storey building with a three-bay south elevation.

During the early 1900s, the Technical Instruction Act was passed, which resulted in classes being held in the old Market House, a practice that was unsatisfactory. It was extensively renovated after 1908 when a top floor was added to accommodate use as a technical school. Class rooms were provided, Urban Council office and meeting chamber with a weigh room and stores at ground level and from the 1930’s when the town had its first part-time fire brigade the engine was housed in the Market House and the fire-fighters were alerted to calls by a siren located on the roof of the building.

The town centre building has been the Municipal District offices for Enniscorthy since 1973.