COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor B. Bonner

To ask the Manager what is the short term plan for the area immediately surrounding the historic Round Tower in Clondalkin?

REPLY:

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.  Terms have been agreed  for the acquisition of the remaining house and the Council’s Law Agent is finalising the transfer of title. Some title issues remain to be clarified in relation to plots of land to the rear of the property.

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.

In the meantime, the Council will continue to protect the fabric of the cottages and to maintain and clean up the areas within the Council's ownership, surrounding the tower ,on a regular basis.

In relation to the planning for villages in the County generally a comprehensive report on village plans was given to the Corporate Policy Group on 11th June 2012. Updates will be given to members as the programme is rolled out.