COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPC
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
HEADED ITEM NO. 2(A)
Report on Working Group Meetings
A. Urban Centres - 28th April 2011
Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee
Working Group on Urban Centres
28 April 2011
Report
Attended : Councillors Eamon Tuffy, (Chair), Emma Coburn, Pamela Kearns, William Lavelle, Gus O’Connell. Non elected SPC member :Mr. Donie Anderson.
Frank Nevin, Director of Land Use, Economic & Transport Planning. Colin Ryan Senior Planner.
1. Presentation on matters arising from Working Group Meeting Jan 2011
CR outlined the background to the subgroup and presented the findings of an examination of, and site visit to, the villages of Rathfarnham and Lucan. He pointed out that :
- Both villages had been subject to significant investment in the physical public realm.
- Vacancy was not a significant issue.
- Maintenance of the enhanced public realm and marketing of the “niche” nature of villages an important challenge/opportunity.
2. Discussion by working group members on submissions to the working group
The members agreed that both from the presentation at this meeting and the discussion in January with stakeholders maintenance and marketing are the priority actions at this stage. It was also noted that the design and implementation lessons learned should be incorporated in enhancing other villages in the County when resources permit.
The importance of the meeting(s) with local business was emphasised and FN undertook to schedule similar meetings with representative groups.
3. Recommendation to SPC.
The maintenance of the public realm in our urban villages be prioritised, (in so far as possible within available resources).
- Marketing opportunities for the quality of public realm and “niche” retailing should be identified and pursued. (Presentation on BIDs to be made to SPC).
- Contacts with local business as commenced by the sub group be continued and developed.
- The design and implementation lessons learned in the two study villages should be incorporated in enhancing other villages in the County when resources permit.