COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor Yvonne Collins

That this Council ensures that the uses of any new businesses proposed in the development of Rathfarnham Castle Stables and Courtyard shall complement rather than rival existing businesses in Rathfarnham Village, to maximise the benefit of this development for the area

REPORT:

The potential opportunity to develop a mixed-use hospitality/retail/food/lifestyle offering at the Courtyard at Rathfarnham Castle is currently being pursued. The project will leverage connectivity to other amenities in the area which include the development of the new walking and cycling Dodder Greenway which will connect Rathfarnham with Bohernabreena Reservoir in the Dublin Mountains and the city centre. The site is ideally placed within the grounds of the green flag awarded Rathfarnham Castle Park, and adjacent the nearby Rathfarnham Village, with its rich history and cultural heritage. Rathfarnham Castle is easily accessed from main roads, motorways and bus routes.

There is flexibility within the envelope of the courtyards to facilitate a range of different uses, including food, retail, garden centre, or other lifestyle offerings which will serve to complement Rathfarnham Castle and Demesne and the wider locality as a key tourism destination and local amenity maximising benefits for the area.

It is envisaged that the proposals will enhance the visitor experience at the adjoining South Dublin County Council public park and playgrounds, whilst supporting job creation and the economic development of the area. There are approximately 35,000 people living in electoral districts within 1km of Rathfarnham Castle and the project will leverage connectivity to other amenities in the area.