COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Thursday, December 11, 2025

MOTION NO.18 (ID:89187)

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That this Council insert an objective to remove electronic signs and desist from installing others, given the medieval character of the village and its tourism/amenity value.

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 which specifically reference illuminated and plastic / vinyl 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.  
• 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. 

In the context of the objectives already within the LPF and the new ACA Character Appraisal and Recommended Safeguarding Policies 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 considered that CBH2 Objective 4 could be 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