COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 12, 2026

QUESTION NO. 7

QUESTION: Councillor Y. Collins

To ask the Chief Executive for details of initiatives to promote tourism throughout the County for 2026.

REPLY:

The Adopted Budget for 2026, together with the resultant work programmes, provides for a range of initiatives to promote tourism throughout South Dublin County, in line with the Council’s Tourism Strategy 2024–2029.

Key initiatives for 2026 include:

Strategic Investment

• An allocation of €3.75 million for tourism development and promotion, including €2.5 million dedicated to the delivery of the Tourism Strategy, supporting the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences across the County.

Major Tourism and Visitor Projects

• Continued construction of the Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre, which will provide a major new visitor gateway to the Dublin Mountains.

• Progression of the Rathfarnham Castle Stables and Courtyards project into detailed design and construction, supported by €7 million in “Thrive” funding.

• Advancement of the Lucan House Masterplan, including design, consultation and delivery of the first phase.

• Further development of the Tallaght Heritage Centre, supporting cultural tourism in the County.

• Continued delivery of the 12th Lock Masterplan, including the multi-media studio project, positioning the area as a combined tourism, cultural and enterprise destination.

• The Grand Canal Greenway from 12th Lock to Hazelhatch becoming operational during 2026, enhancing recreational tourism and active travel connectivity.

Events, Festivals and Animation

• Delivery of a countywide programme of events and festivals, including the return of Tradfest in January 2026, aligned with Fáilte Ireland’s Winter in Dublin campaign.

• Continued support for summer, Halloween and Christmas events across the County.

• Ongoing operation of the Tourism Events and Festival Grant Scheme, encouraging events to locate in South Dublin and increasing the local economic impact.

Local Tourism Assets and Promotion

• €248,800 allocated to support the operation, maintenance, growth and promotion of Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre.

• Continued development of opportunities arising from Lucan’s Destination Town designation, in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and neighbouring local authorities.

• Ongoing investment in public realm, parks, heritage and cultural infrastructure, supporting the overall visitor experience throughout the County.

These initiatives are designed to increase visitor numbers, extend dwell time, support local employment and strengthen South Dublin’s profile as a tourism destination during 2026. All of these initiatives will be supported by an annual communications programme for tourism in the County, whilst a new Events Team has been established, which will oversee the delivery of an annual calender of events to support domestic and international tourism in South Dublin.