COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

MOTION NO.21

MOTION: Councillor Joanna Tuffy

That this committee congratulates the Society for Old Lucan (SOL) on its award from the Heritage Council for its work at St. Finian's Esker church site and graveyard which was presented to SOL at the Heritage Council's 'Adopt a Monument Conference' in Tullamore in September, and to commend SOL, and all who have supported SOL to protect, restore and conserve this monument, including the Council, its works including hand crafted reproduction railings around the vault, and that an update be provided as part of the report on this motion.

REPORT:

The LUPT Department agrees with the motion and congratulates the Society for Old Lucan (SOL) on their recent award from the Heritage Council under their Adopt a Monument Scheme.  This scheme assists communities to become actively involved in the conservation and interpretation of their local archaeological and cultural heritage sites.

St. Finian’s ruined church and graveyard in Lucan, Co. Dublin dates from the 11th century.  It is known colloquially as ‘Esker Church’, reflecting its location on the Esker Riada, a glacial feature which formed a highway across ancient Ireland known as the ‘Slí Mhór’.

With funding from the Heritage Council and Creative Ireland, and with the input and support of SDCC’s Public Realm section and consultant archaeologists Abarta Heritage, the Society for Old Lucan ‘adopted’ this monument.  Under this scheme SOL have worked consistently to research the deep and interesting social and cultural history of the site, and have significantly raised awareness of its importance through numerous informational talks, guided walks, photography, photogrammetry, digital recreations, Heritage Week events, and web page documentation. 

In conjunction with SDCC and a range of professional individuals and bodies with whom they have engaged over a period of years, they have also organised architectural, archaeological, and geophysical assessments of the site, as well as undertaking frequent litter picking and the monitoring of maintenance issues.  They also liaise promptly with Public Realm when issues of concern occur such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, or weather damage.  This level of monitoring assists with setting a high standard for this important site.

The Council has been pleased to work with SOL and to assist with matters of maintenance, litter removal, supporting conservation and biodiversity work, and promotion including the provision of information signage.

The Society for Old Lucan have made a significant contribution to the conservation and preservation of St. Finian’s into the future, and the Council is pleased to acknowledge that the Adopt a Monument Award is very well deserved.