COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, December 15, 2014
QUESTION NO.2
QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor
"To ask the Chief Executive Officer if he would confirm actions opened to the Council to improve the image of Cookstown Industrial Estate in Tallaght and if he would state if he has had any contact with interests in the Estate in respect of the issue.
REPLY:
A key issue emerging from the carrying out of the County Economic Profile is the need to focus funding to give effective support to enhance the physical environment of industrial estates within the County; this is particularly in the case of areas which are underutilised with higher rates of vacancy. This issue is also emerging through parallel research which the Council has been undertaking through analysing rates information and on the ground surveys.
As a practical support to existing business support and enhance our underutilised industrial areas monies that are surplus to Business Support Grant 2014 and 2015 will be utilised to concentrate on effectively enhancing a number of industrial areas with a view to replicating this in a broader rolling programme over the coming years, subject to budgetary approval.
It is envisaged that this programme will:
- Seek the active participation of businesses within areas identified in need of immediate improvement
- Identify a series of Improvements Works which will be funded. These works will generally be related to the physical improvement of the area.
- In the first instance we will identify pilot programme location(s). Area(s) will be identified based on an analysis of the existing research and in conjunction with South Dublin Chamber.
- Develop a programme of works to be carried out in conjunction with an active local business group, funded through the Business Support Grant.
- Develop a projected schedule for the rollout of this programme which may include a graduated series of interventions.
Potentially the programme may also provide supports in terms of training and marketing opportunities highlighted in the survey and follow up discussions with business.
Proposals in relation of the detailed programme approach will be presented to, and considered by the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism SPC and reported to Council.
It would be welcomed if business interests in the Cookstown estate either wish to work through the South Dublin Chamber or contact the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Department directly.