COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

QUESTION NO.14

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

"To ask the Chief Executive for a report into the Saggart Swiftbrook Mills and to ask does he see this as having significant tourism potential in the future? As the paper for the proclamation was made there! When will the Council take the location in charge?"

REPLY:

Swiftbrook Paper Mill was established in the mid eighteenth century and played an important role in the economic and social life of Saggart for over two hundred years. It was recognised as a producer of high quality paper which was used in the production of bank notes and stamps.

Currently the Rag Store, Mill Chimney and single-storey mill building are Protected Structures (RPS Ref. 330) located within the former Swiftbrook Mills. The Rag Store is currently in residential use at first and second floor level and the incubator units at ground floor level are currently unoccupied. The Mill Chimney and single-storey mill building were restored during 2014 by the owners. The existing Chimney and single storey building have not been taken in charge and therefore remain in private ownership. It is the responsibility of the owner to maintain the buildings. The original boundary walls and entrance gates are also protected structures (RPS Ref. 314) and repairs and conservation works were carried out during the initial development of the site as part of the overall development for which planning permission was granted during 2001.

A LEADER-funded feasibility study for the Slade Heritage Trail in the vicinity of the Swiftbrook Paper Mill was prepared in 2014 under the County Heritage Plan.  This study identified a potential route for a Heritage Trail that would commence in Rathcoole Park, follow a path through Saggart and then proceed southwards up through the Slade Valley to finish at the Brittas Ponds. 

In the intervening time since the study was completed, a degree of success has been achieved along the first section of the proposed Trail, between Rathcoole and Saggart.  A well-used route is currently being followed by locals which connects Rathcoole Park to the Crossforge/Millrace Estate in Saggart.  Issues of Taking in Charge exist for the Estate, so the formalisation of the Heritage Trail Route at this location is postponed.  

 The tourism, hospitality and creative sector have been among the worst affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic with tourism, museums, galleries and heritage visitor experience businesses closed for lengthy periods. Consumer research undertaken by Fáilte Ireland during the pandemic has shown that the public and visitors remain interested in our key urban centres. Ireland eased some of its lockdown restrictions in mid April with outdoor attractions to open from 26 April and consideration, based on the prevailing public health situation on 4 May, on when indoor attractions (Museums, Galleries, etc) may reopen to the public. South Dublin County Council is currently working with Fáilte Ireland and other stakeholders to provide support and opportunities for current operators through the recently announced Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Public Space Scheme to help them get ready for when restrictions ease. It is expected that these supports will provide further opportunities for the general public to reconnect with Ireland's cultural and heritage experiences. Moreover the Council continues to work to deliver the County’s Tourism Strategy with regard the Round Tower Visitor Centre, the Rathfarnham Castle Courtyard and Stables tourism project, the Grand Canal Greenway and the proposed Canal Loop with Waterways Ireland, the Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre, the events and festival grant, and the expansion of the Clondalkin Heritage app into other villages.

Given the issues outlined above including the taking in charge constraints at the mill, and the lack of connectivity on the Slade Valley Trail, it would not be feasible to effectively consider the potential of the mill at Swiftbrook from a tourism prospective.