COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
MOTION NO. 1
MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins
That the Chief Executive present a report on industrial estates and business parks in the Clondalkin area and that the report identifies vacancy rates in these enterprise areas.
REPORT:
With respect to industrial area vacancy the best available data is that from the commercial rates information. In this regard it should be noted that this data is collated annually and relates to those properties that have applied for a vacant property refund.
In terms of identifying areas of greatest vacancy the 2012 figures are the best available. The attached map set out the information graphically for the ACM area. These figures give a good indication of the areas with the highest concentration of vacancy. While the figures relate to 2012, the Council has no reason to consider that there has been significant alteration in the concentrations of vacancy over the intervening years. This view is based on analysis of the 2013 figures and work carried out by the South Dublin Chamber as part of the economic profile which was conducted over the summer of 2014.
With respect to the Clondalkin ACM area while a certain amount of vacancy occurs across all DED’s , the areas with the highest concentration of vacancy is the area to the east of the M50 and between the N7 and Nangor; and Greenogue. In looking at these areas the causes of vacancy are considered to be different. In Greenogue, a relatively new industrial area, the central cause is considered to be directly related to economic activity. However in the area to the east of the M50 the causes are more complex and relate not just to the economic cycle but also to the age and layout of the estates in this area.
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.