COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

MOTION NO. 18

MOTION: Councillor T. Delaney

That the Manager presents an up to date report to this Committee relating to the proposed Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Park, Museum, etc.  The matters that I would like particularly addressed are ownership and what actions are being taken to secure funding through grant applications, philanthropists, etc.

REPORT:

Work has been progressing since 2006 on the Round Tower Project.  The scheme followed a refusal by An Bord Pleanála for a mix of uses on the site including a restaurant and block of apartments as well as a small heritage centre.

A considerable amount of work has since been undertaken on the possibility of a County Museum on the Round Tower site.  A series of design studies for the museum/cottages followed in an iterative process with the Department of Environment and the Office of Public Works.  The Council has also carried out an archaeological investigation of the site.  A number of design options were evaluated in light of this investigation. 

The scheme was presented to the Lucan/Clondalkin Area Committee and agreed in principle with the Members.  The design is also acceptable in principle to the statutory bodies involved.  The scheme is designed fully to Part 8 stage which can proceed when the issue of adverse possession is resolved in relation to the Millview Cottages. 

Whilst the project is included in the Council’s Capital Programme the development of the scheme beyond this stage will in time depend on the identification of funds and funding sources to deliver same.

The Council is committed to the protection of Millview Cottages, one of which was burned in a fire.  The built fabric of the cottage has now been secured.  The Council has to date acquired two of the three dwellings necessary for the overall project and is negotiating the acquisition of the third property at present.