COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

Cathaoirleach’s Business

"That this Committee supports the recommendations in the Lucan Village Design Statement and requests the Manager to make a report on the recommendations in the Statement and advise the Committee on plans by the Council to implement or progress the recommendations in the immediate future."

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council in conjunction with the National Heritage Council produced a Village Design Statement for Lucan in 2007.  The main purpose of this document is to identify and describe the qualities and characteristics of the Lucan area.  This includes the unique qualities of architectural, historical and natural importance that contribute to Lucan’s character. The VDS is concerned with how future development should be carried out so that it will be in harmony with its setting, contributing to the conservation and where possible the enhancement of the local environment.

The document concludes with a series of guidelines that aim to preserve and enhance the important character features identified within the VDS, and seek to encourage proposals for new development that are based upon a considered understanding of the village’s unique character. A number of potential environmental improvements have also been listed within the guidelines. These include works to the river bank area, to parks and outdoor spaces and to roads infrastructure.

Projects Completed /Underway

An additional section of riverside path in Lucan Demesne to facilitate waterside access for walkers and cyclists was completed in 2011.

The Council has recently carried out an audit of the condition and relevance of the signage in Lucan (as part of the audit of the 5 areas of Architectural Conservation in the County). The audit has categorised a series of actions that need to be taken, removals, repairs and replacements. This audit is at present being cross referenced with the audit undertaken by the Lucan Tidy Towns committee.

The Heritage Officer is at present reviewing a number of projects arising from the Village Design Statement with a view to seeking joint funding from South Dublin County Council and the Heritage Council.

The VDS is also used to inform Development Management in relation to Lucan Village.