COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

HEADED ITEM NO.

HEADED ITEM: D. of Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development

Reopening of Brú Chrónáin    

REPLY:

The Round Tower Visitor Centre closed on 12 March 2020 in line with Government’s recommendations due to the global Coronavirus pandemic. The Happy Pear formally left the Centre in July, and in the same month a competitive quick quote seeking applicants to restore a café/restaurant operation at the Round Tower and manage the exhibition in the short term was advertised with a closing date in mid-August. The contract is for eight months with a view to extending to a maximum of a further three months.

Local coffee shop East Village Coffee emerged as the preferred bidder and signed contracts in early October. East Village Coffee at the Round Tower expect to commence offering take away teas/coffees and treats to the public from mid-October having regard to prevailing public health guidelines and restrictions. Current health restrictions under Level 3 of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 document means that they won’t be able to open the visitor centre straight away.

Members of the public can continue to put forward ideas and suggestions through their public representatives. General enquiries and bookings can be made to the operators at info@theroundtower.ie

It is worth noting that South Dublin County Council was successful in securing some funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Surprising Stories grant funding scheme, which aimed to improve Interpretation and the visitor experience at operating visitor attractions.

A competitive tendering process took place in August seeking a contractor to improve interpretation within the centre which in turn would allow space to accommodate temporary exhibitions. Up until now, space to allow for temporary exhibitions was limited.

The Surprising Stories scheme also sought ideas around providing AV equipment in the café and retail areas which would allow for local history and heritage focused launches, talks, etc. Moreover, the council sought suggestions on providing a covered solution for the outdoor garden terrace area to allow for further gatherings/launches/talks etc.

The council will begin discussions with the successful tenderer to ensure these requirements are actioned in line with Fáilte Ireland guidelines. The council will begin discussions with relevant local groups once the works have been completed and the centre reopens in line with government guidelines.