COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 21, 2015
QUESTION NO.
QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons
To ask the Chief Executive for a report into the Village initiative scheme ? what stage they are at , when we can expect to see outstanding ones? and to ask for example pictures of same signage etc that will be used throughout SDCC.
REPLY:
Villages Update for September 2015 County Council Meeting
OVERALL APPROACH TO THE VILLAGES INITIATIVE
- TASK
Following on from the launch of the Villages Initiative, interaction on the ground with communities is ongoing and has for the most part been extremely positive. The commitment to complete village surveys and a SWOT analysis has also been completed and the findings discussed at area level.
These surveys identified a number of key areas requiring attention in order to build on the villages existing strengths.
- A lack of uniformity in streetscape finishes and street furniture including bollards, bins, seating, signposting etc.
- A problem of ‘clutter’ with redundant signs, excessive street furniture, overhead cables, unnecessary hoardings, temporary signage, pedestrian blockages etc.
- Poor quality streetscape and building presentation including a degree of dereliction.
- The need for improved landscaping, prioritisation of open spaces, greater legibility and ease of movement.
The focus of the recommendations set out below is to address these short comings with a view to the revitalisation of the villages from the point of view of:
- Improving first impressions in the context of town approaches, good orientation and directional signage.
- Identifying the unique selling point of each village and telling its story.
- Improving public realm and green infrastructure.
- Removing clutter and improving accessibility and ease of movement.
- Focus on the heritage and tourism potential of the village in the context of a broader county offer and experience.
- Maximising the involvement of village communities in terms of pride of place and shared civic responsibility.
- STRATEGY
The Council has embarked on a focused strategy of continuous improvement over a period of 3 years in the following manner:
- Immediately engage with the issue of clutter through the removal of items within Council control e.g. excess bollards, signage etc. Complete
- Immediately establish a register and take proactive action in relation to derelict sites. Done
- Pursue a public realm improvement strategy (to include public lighting) aimed at improved presentation and pedestrian ease of movement. This strategy will be implemented incrementally through the annual budgetary process and with funding support form agencies such as the NTA. See note below
- Pursue village welcome signage and cycle and pedestrian directional signage. Pilot project on directional and information signage has been rolled out in Tallaght. Welcome signage will be developed as a part of a county wide strategy.
- Pursue a street furniture programme for roll-out over a period of years across all villages including seats, bollards, planters etc. Tender documentation is being prepared with a view to setting up a framework for the supply of seats, bins, planters etc.
- Develop a heritage tourism trail across all villages with supporting documentation, signage and marketing material. This has been included in tourism strategy.
- Establish a matching fund to stimulate private sector spend on building aesthetics with particular reference to shop fronts and painting schemes. This was launched in 2014 and is continuing.
- Establish a tidy town / village community support fund aimed at supporting those areas of the plan not undertaken by the Council. This is in position
- Establish in conjunction with local communities a festivals and events programme across the villages throughout the year. In position
- Identify one significant project for each village which best augments and portrays its unique selling point and establish a funding stream for its delivery (see roll-out note below).
- ROLL-OUT
The implementation of this programme has been led by the County Architect’s Department but involves a multidisciplinary approach and a steering group involving all of the key staff covering public realm, planning, heritage, community etc. has now been established. This group meets weekly.
A budget of €5.0m is committed for the Villages Initiative to be rolled out over 3 years. The exact scope of works in each location will depend on the Part 8 Consultation process where required and the breakdown of individual tenders to establish best value for money in each case. Including way-finding signage, street furniture and urban tree planting over this period, the overall spend on the villages will total €7.5million, a substantial investment in their future quality and development potential.
- UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2015
Palmerstown and Manor Road – works complete, trees to be planted next month when tree planting season starts.
Rathcoole – Part VIII process complete, tender documents complete and contractor has been appointed. Works have commenced on site and are due to be complete by the end of the year.
Newcastle – Design has been completed and presented to the local community groups for agreement. Part VIII will follow.
Lucan – Part VIII process complete. Awaiting CFRAMS report for the Village Green
Tallaght – Part VIII process complete.
Rathfarnham Castle Entrance – Part VIII process complete. OPW works to Castle forecourt are complete. Ministerial consent required
Rathfarnham Gateway Plaza – Part VIII process complete.
Saggart Village Square - Part VIII process complete. Application for temporary road closure for Mill Lane will be submitted shortly as agreed with Councillors.
Templeogue – The County Architect has held a number of meetings with the local traders and property owners in the village and it is anticipated that agreement will be reached soon on a scheme.
Clondalkin – Preparation of the tender Documentation is well advanced on the Round Tower Visitors Centre