COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

Cathaoirleach's Business

Following the deputation meeting on 28th of September and the subsequent site meeting, that the Manager would present a report on the derelict site at the Oil Mills in Corkagh Park.

REPORT:

Following the Deputation meeting on 28th of September, a meeting was held on site on Wednesday 5th October last with the South West Clondalkin Community Safety Forum and officials from the Park's Section together with the Council's Conservation Officer.

It was explained at the meeting that the entire Oil Mills Complex at Corkagh is a Protected Structure (RPS Ref. 165-Schedule 2 South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2010-2016) and as such is protected under Part IV of the Planning & Development Act 2000.  Under the definition of a Protected Structure in the Act, the curtilage and all structures enclosed within are given protection and form part of the Protected Structure site.

The very real concerns of the Safety Forum and local residents regarding the ongoing anti-social behaviour on the site is fully acknowledged by the County Council.  However, following a general inspection of the buildings during the site meeting, the level of anti-social behaviour taking place appears to have reduced somewhat in recent years. Nevertheless, it is the intention of the Park's Department to erect additional 'Danger Keep Out' signs on the perimeter fencing and on some of the buildings, where the signs will be out of reach and not so easily removed by unauthorised personnel.  This will be arranged over the coming weeks.

In addition, it was agreed that a structural assessment/survey of the buildings (carried out by a conservation specialist), is now required and can be undertaken early next year, subject to available funding. This would allow for an assessment of the current structural condition of the buildings, together with any recommendations for emergency and essential repair works needed to make the structures safe.  On foot of this report, the essential repairs, can be costed in terms of the supply of concrete blocks, mortar etc., to determine the most appropriate course of action. 

As an interim measure, it was agreed to investigate the possibility of blocking up the opes on the ground floor level of all the structures on site, to ensure all access points to the buildings are closed off, this work to be undertaken by Parks Staff.   The longer term proposal would be to prepare a plan for the restoration of the Oilmills in conjunction with the Council's Conservation Officer, with possible sources of funding being provided by Rural Leader or through a Work Placement/Apprentice Training Programme.