COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL
Thursday, December 11, 2025
MOTION NO.17(ID:89186)
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
That SDCC will strengthen and apply their shop-front design guidelines in the ACA Clondalkin village and that they develop an enforceable and strict code for shop-front design in our village ACA and that this is included as an objective!
CE REPORT:
The LPF provides a number of objectives and guidance on shopfront design within Chapter 7 of the plan including where it relates to the Village ACA.
However, to further support the character of the ACAs within Clondalkin new character appraisals which include safeguarding policies were prepared. These appraisals respond to the relevant legislation for ACAs which is set out in the provisions of Section 82 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended which states;
‘the carrying out of works to the exterior of a structure located in an architectural conservation area shall be exempted development only if those works would not materially affect the character of the area. Works generally exempt but will require planning permission in an ACA Area if It materially affects the character of the area.’
These new Character Appraisals and Safeguarding Policies include the Clondalkin Village ACA Appraisal which will provide greater guidance to landowners and to planners as to the type of development that is appropriate within the ACA, outlining development that would require planning permission. As stated within the ACA Appraisal document, in addition to identifying the special character of the ACA it also:
a) provides specific conservation objectives and policies to protect the ACA
b) provides guidance to ACA owners/occupiers and developers on the type of work that would require planning permission and
c) provides recommendations to guide the built form of new development in the ACA where such development is likely to impact key architectural heritage assets by virtue of, for instance, location or design and
d) provides advice and guidance to those seeking planning permission, such as homeowners, developers and planning professionals, on the type of work(s) or development that would be acceptable within the Clondalkin Village ACA (009), to avoid loss or negative impact to its special character.
In this regard, the Clondalkin Village Architectural Conservation Area Appraisal and Recommended Safeguarding Policies includes the following recommendations referencing shopfronts and signage:
Adhere to the advice and guidelines in the South Dublin County Council’s Shopfront Guidelines for the design of new shopfronts.
- New lighting proposals to be in-keeping with the building and general streetscape.
- Illuminated projecting signs or neon or flashing lights are not appropriate within the ACA.
- The number of signs on a building should be limited and use of sandwich boards, banners and flagpoles discouraged in the interest of reducing visual clutter.
- Consider shopfront proportions and materials relative to the building overhead and the rest of the street.
- Plastic / vinyl and oversized signage boards are to be discouraged.
In addition, the LPF itself includes a section on Visual and Urban Clutter under CBH8 in Chapter 7 which recognises the issue of poor shopfront design and treatment and which states ‘The LPF aims for greater visual cohesion within the streetscape and the promotion of shopfronts and signage that utilise materials, colours and textures that complement the architectural character of existing buildings and are of a high standard of design, finish and installation’
This is reflected in the objectives within Chapter 7:
CBH2 Objective 2
To ensure that signage, street furniture, and road markings, particularly within and in close proximity to designated ACAs, are simple and visually restrained in design promoting a holistic approach to quality street surfaces, reflecting the high quality public realm at Brú Chrónáin Visitor Centre insofar as is feasible.
CBH2 Objective 4
To promote SDCC’s Shop Front Grant Scheme and Shop Front Design Guide to improve the appearance of independently owned and other shops fronting public streets so as to enhance Clondalkin’s visual cohesion and attractiveness, particularly within the village core.
And in Chapter 8, as part of the village framework:
VF 3:
Reduce visual clutter from signage, street furniture and road markings across the village including the ACA.
The Council will continue to enforce the provisions set out under the above legislation, now made clearer for owners, developers and planners through the guidance provided in the new ACA Appraisal document.
In the context of the objectives already within the LPF and the new ACA Character Appraisal and Recommended Safeguarding Policies and the clear and enforceable provisions set within it as outlined above, it is considered that adequate provisions are in place. However, to make clear the guidance and recommendations provided in the new ACA Appraisal document, it is recommended that CBH2 Objective 4 is amended to strengthen it.
CE Recommendation:
Amend CBH2 Objective 4 from:
CBH2 Objective 4
To promote SDCC’s Shop Front Grant Scheme and Shop Front Design Guide to improve the appearance of independently owned and other shops fronting public streets so as to enhance Clondalkin’s visual cohesion and attractiveness, particularly within the village core.
To
CBH2 Objective 4
To promote SDCC’s Shop Front Grant Scheme and Shop Front Design Guide to improve the appearance of independently owned and other shops fronting public streets so as to enhance Clondalkin’s visual cohesion and attractiveness, particularly within the village core, having due regard to the recommendations in the Clondalkin Village Architectural Conservation Area 009 Character Appraisal and Recommended Safeguarding Policies.
Advisory Note: Initial Screening for SEA for the Motion
No SEA issues; SEA not required.
Initial Screening for AA for the Motion
No AA issues; Stage 2 AA not required.