COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

HEADED ITEM NO. 5

Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Park

REPORT:

The Council has over the last number of years acquired the Tower lands and all of the adjoining properties with the exception of the last remaining house and garden at Millview Cottages.  Recently, the Chief Valuer has recommended terms for this remaining house and these terms have now been accepted by both parties. The Council’s Law Agent is finalising the transfer of titles and arrangements are being made for the settlement of the financial consideration from the Council’s Capital Account.

Since 2006, considerable work has been undertaken in developing a mixed use proposal incorporating the possibility of a County Museum on the Tower site.  A number of design studies for museums and protected cottages have been undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Office of Public Works. The Council has also carried out an archaeological investigation of the Tower lands.

A number of design options were evaluated and the recommended scheme was presented to the Lucan/Clondalkin Area Committee in June 2008 and agreed in principle by the Members. The scheme as presented was also acceptable in principle to the statutory bodies involved.

Now that the lands necessary around the Tower have been acquired the next steps are to:

·  Establish the estimated current cost of delivering the project.

·  Identify the sources of funding and the commitment of these funds to the project (in this regard it will be necessary to identify all opportunities for funding such as Available grants, donations, philanthropic donors etc.).

·  Advertise Part 8 Planning Consultation Process.

·  Report to Area Committee and Elected Council.

·  Arrange for public procurement of project.

The Council will continue to protect the fabric of the cottages on an ongoing basis.