COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

"That this Area Committee asks the Chief Executive to report progress on various issues which were raised at a previous meeting in respect of the Tourism Proposals submitted by Tallaght Community Council and which were also referred to the SPC; will he give details of action being taken in the matter and will he present a detailed statement."

REPORT:

"A comprehensive report on the Tallaght Community Council (TCC) proposals was presented at the Economic Enterprise and Tourism Strategic Policy Committee meeting on 10th May and these issues were further discussed at the Tallaght Area Committee on 22nd May.

The strategic importance of Tallaght as the County Town in the development of the County and particularly in tourism terms has been noted by the SPC and that Committee supports the vision and concepts that underpinned the TCC proposals which were considered to be very well aligned with the County Tourism Strategy 2015-2020.

The current tourism related capital projects for the County were identified in the Council's Three Year Capital Programme 2017-2019 which was approved by the Members of the Council following on from the recommendations of the County Tourism Strategy. The key tourism opportunities for Tallaght that will be progressed over the lifetime of the Council and which will form part of the Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development Department's revenue and capital programmes include:

• promoting Tallaght as a gateway to the Dublin Mountains (including branding)- particularly in the context of the proposed Dublin Mountains Project;
• appropriate signage and upgrade works at the start of the Dublin Mountains Way in Sean Walsh Park;
• the additional stand in Tallaght stadium enhancing the stadium as a facility for sporting and entertainment events;
• the promotion of Tallaght's cultural quarter with the County Library, Civic Theatre, Rua Red in conjunction with the continued support and development of the Red Line festival;
• completion of the works plan identified for Tallaght Heritage Trail;
• progressing the Dodder Greenway along with associated cycling, walking and permeability projects;

Currently, the following updates can be given:

• A submission was made to An Bord Pleanála in July in relation to the proposed Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre;
• Funding is now in place for an upgrade to the pathway between Sean Walsh Park and Kiltipper Park and also for improvement works to the car park in Sean Walsh Park. These works should be carried out in early 2018.
• The Red Line Festival 2017 is scheduled for October with events planned for the Civic Theatre, Rua Red and the County Library in Tallaght, further enhancing the development of the cultural environment of Tallaght;
• A Part 8 process is underway for the proposed Dodder Greenway;
• Consultation with local groups is ongoing to finalise the Tallaght Heritage trail plan; and in addition, the Council is awaiting the outcomes of a Dublin Visitor Orientation Audit to inform the next steps in the completion of wayfinding and other signage in Tallaght.
• The provision of an additional stand at Tallaght Stadium is currently under procurement.

Members will continue to be kept informed of progress on these and other aspects of the development of tourism related actions and activities in Tallaght."