COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

"That this Area Committee recognises the great work done by the Meals on Wheels, Active Retirement Group and other voluntary groups based and operating out of the Palmerstown Parish Centre and requests that this Council assist in any way possible to help them and the Management of the Centre address the current refurbishment/urgent fire and safety issues."

REPORT:

The Council and Community Services Dept fully recognise the great work and fantastic service to the community that the Meals on Wheels, Active Retirement Group and other voluntary groups based in the centre do for their local community and have worked closely with these groups over a long number of year, will continue to do so and the local community development team will assist the groups by whatever ways possible on the ground.

The Community Services Dept were made aware via reports from the local community of the apparent threat of closure of the Parish Centre when the Parish announced their decision three weeks ago.

It would appear from the reports that the decision was taken on the grounds of health and safety and due to the neglect of completing due maintenance on the building over a number of years, despite receiving annual rental income from space hire in the building, with a figure for repair works now totalling in excess €250,000 reported.

If the Laurence O’Toole Trust make contact requesting a meeting to discuss the future of the Parish Centre in the Village Community Services will of course meet with them and Parish/Diocesan reps to discuss and explore what/if any assistance can be provided, however the Council would not be in a position to provide funds to meet the costs of these seemingly substantial works.