COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive how is he addressing the preservation of Fairview Oil Mills and St Cuthberts Church and to give a detailed update on both?

REPLY:

A Conservation Engineer has been engaged to carry out a detailed structural survey of the Oil Mill and to develop recommendations for works necessary to render the structure safe and secure.  An initial report has been received with recommendations to carry out enabling works to allow for a more detailed survey. These enabling works are being progressed.

Once the structural survey report has been received it is proposed to tender for a specialist contractor to carry out works based on the report recommendations. 

The complex nature of the structure and the large area that it covers will result in the project being phased over a number of years having regard the ecological constraints and availability of funding through the Built Heritage investment Scheme (BHIS) or the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) if applicable.

SDCC fully recognise the historic significance of the ruined Church of St Cuthbert’s and the important contribution it makes to the appreciation of local heritage. The site comprises the curtilage of three Protected Structures - St. Cuthbert’s Church (DU017-038001-), the associated graveyard (DU017-038002-), and the moated site (DU017-038003-). The three sites are also collectively entered as one in the Record of Protected Structures, ref RPS133. The protection and enhancement of these important features forms an integral part of the current upgrade proposals for the park. Given the sensitive nature of the archaeological site the following sequence of events were proposed:

At present the works to the park are paused following serious anti social behaviour. The Council is currently in discussions with the contractor regarding return to site and completion of the works.