COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

To ask the Manager for an update on the gates and pillars at the Round Tower, Clondalkin.  The Council and the OPW have stated funds are available and we are still awaiting the work to be completed?

REPLY:

A meeting was held at the Round Tower on the 10th February 2012, attended by Minister Brian Hayes, John Sydenham OPW Commissioner, Fionnnuala Parnell Archaeologist and various advisors.  The meeting was also attended by Derek Keating TD, Robert Dowds TD, Therese Ridge and Tony Delaney, Councillors.  At the meting Mr Sydenham made clear that the OPW were not in a position to grant-aid or fund the Council in relation to units at Millview Cottages or the Round Tower.

The Commissioner added that there was the possibility of in-house masons constructing a new pier to side of the existing gate and repairing the stone walls but this was contingent on the temporary transfer of land to the OPW for the purposes of the works.  In the interim the OPW has made arrangements for a one-day opening of the Round Tower to the general public for the Clondalkin Festival.  This was carried out in conjunction with South Dublin County Council and was judged a success.

The County Manager has launched a new Villages Initiative in South Dublin County including Clondalkin.  The Round Tower and its surroundings will be central to the Clondalkin Village Works and will be included in all early discussions on this initiative.