COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

MOTION NO.  17

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

"To ask for a report into Brú Chrónáin that includes the following issues:

1)    To ask when and if Clondalkin heritage specific merchandise such as fridge magnets , models of the Tower etc. will be available and a timeframe for this.

2)    Can the exhibition centre upstairs be rearranged on a rotating basis to include more local displays such as the current display of Carmel Lyons Lace, Could this include more display cabinets?

3)    Can the layout be periodically reviewed to keep displays fresh and maintain interest?

4)     Who is the board of Management for Brú Chrónáin and who do people contact if they have suggestions/Ideas to build on this brilliant facility?

5)     Could more prominent signage be done to promote and define Brú Chrónáin?  

REPORT:

Round Tower Merchandise

As part of the Sales and Marketing Plan for the Round Tower Centre- Brú Chrónáin, there is a strong focus on brand alignment. There are a number of Round Tower merchandise items now available to purchase in the retail area including replica candles, pens, pencils, rulers and heritage books. We will also shortly have Round Tower mugs and tote bags for sale in accordance with the branding guidelines. A sample of branding merchandise is attached.

Exhibition Cases

The exhibition cases are available for different displays on a rotating basis and a notice inviting the public to display Clondalkin Memorabilia has been advertised in the Round Tower Centre- Brú Chrónáin and Social Media. (Copy attached). It is not possible to increase the number of display cases as this would reduce universal access to the upstairs exhibition area.

Layout of Exhibition

The exhibition in the Interpretative Centre was curated in great detail to incorporate the history and heritage of Round Towers and the Clondalkin area covering a period of over 1000 years. The displays and interpretation were informed by the local studies section of South Dublin Libraries which included open community information gathering sessions in the library and civic centre. The centre has only been opened to the public since July 2017 and there are no plans at this stage to update the content on display. Temporary displays /exhibitions could be facilitated in the interpretive centre and queries from the public regarding the hire of exhibition space can be emailed to info@theroundtower.ie

Management Structure

The Round Tower Centre-Brú Chrónáin is leased to a commercial operator who are responsible for the day to day operations of the centre. A monthly meeting is held between the centre management and staff from the council to discuss and progress operational matters.

It is proposed to establish a Strategic Oversight Group, comprising of two representatives from senior management from the council, one representative from the commercial operator, one community representative and one elected representative to be nominated from the membership of the Clondalkin Area Committee. This group will meet bi- annually to deal with strategic and high-level issues.

External Signage

The Round Tower Centre is located in an area of architectural conservation and the council must take this into consideration with regards to external signage on the building. A number of branding options are currently being explored in consultation with the operators.