Merrion Square Tearoom Delayed to Late 2026 as Costs Reach €6.1m
Thursday 30 July 2026
Construction of the new Merrion Square tearoom in Dublin has entered its third summer of delays, with the project's completion pushed to late 2026 and the budget rising to €6.1 million.
Construction of the Merrion Square tearoom in Dublin has been delayed until late 2026, with the project budget rising to €6.1 million.
The development, which is being overseen by Dublin City Council, commenced in June 2023. Initially estimated to take 12 months to complete, the project has faced multiple delays. Dublin City Council now expects construction to finish in autumn 2026, with the facility opening to the public either at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.
The project's financial budget has also increased significantly. The council's early cost estimate for the works was approximately €3.4 million, but this was later increased to an approved budget of €6.1 million by 2025. Reports indicate that the cost rise was influenced by exceptionally high building inflation.
Once completed, the new park infrastructure will include a cafe, public toilets, baby-changing facilities, lighting, and updated landscaping. The development forms part of the wider Dublin City Council Merrion Square conservation plan.