COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

MOTION NO. 15

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"That the Executive give an updated report on the School / Community Hall for Adamstown."

REPORT:

In order to provide clarity on the current status of the School Sports Hall and Community Centre in Adamstown the mechanisms and process for delivery of the School Sports Hall and Community Centre at Adamstown are set out below.

Planning Matters

Phase 2 (1,000- 1,800 units) of the amended Scheme 2014 provides for 2 options.

The provision of one community centre with a minimum floor area of 1,200 square metres incorporating a community sports hall Or,

A school sports hall (minimum 600 square metres) shall be provide in Phase 2 and incorporating school community use, and in addition a 600 square metres community centre.

The role of the Planning Department is to ensure that when application for housing numbers approaches 1,800, the developer will be required to provide for all infrastructure required in Phase 2 including the sports hall and community centre as integrated or separate entities. The decision as to which option will be delivered will emerge following detailed discussion around funding, management and access arrangements for all parties. The Planning Department will consult with be advised by the Community Department of South Dublin County in respect of the detail (composition, format, design etc) of the facilities at the pre planning and planning application stage of the process. The option which delivers the facilities at least cost (delivery and management) to all members of the community will be the one which will be progressed.

Agreement Between developer and ETB and role of the Council

There has been a long standing agreement between the ETB and the developer to provide for the delivery of the school sports hall and community centre. This agreement was notwithstanding the provisions of the SDZ Scheme as set out above and it was intended that that these facilities would be provided at the earliest opportunity. However, due to funding issues the developer has been unable to deliver the facilities and the ETB has initiated legal action. The Council cannot intervene in this process. We have however contacted the Department of Education and Science and requested a statement on the matter and indicated that we will provide any assistance necessary. It is our understanding that negotiations are ongoing and that the parties will be in contact with the Council as and when necessary and appropriate.

Notwithstanding the above, the Council  has provided funding of €750,000 under the Capital programme to co-fund community aspects of this development on a collaborative basis with the ETB.  Dicsussions on the precise nature of such a collaboration can only commence once the legal issues and principle issue of primary responsibility is resolved.