COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

MOTION NO.1

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Area Committee requests the Chief Executive to examine what measures if any, could be put in place to recognise and support Lucan Village businesses that were adversely affected by the Village Green upgrade works particularly those in the village centre where prolonged works and delays had a knock-on impact on trading. This request follows engagement with local business owners, including a meeting attended by 17 businesses prior to Christmas, where significant reductions in turnover were outlined. The motion seeks clarification on whether any form of goodwill support, compensation mechanism, business support scheme or community-based credit or reinvestment initiative could be considered and to report back to Members on available options, constraints, or precedents.

REPORT:

The Council acknowledges that public realm and infrastructure works can cause temporary disruption during delivery. However, such investment is essential to enhance the long-term vitality, accessibility and attractiveness of Lucan Village. The Village Green upgrade and associated Demesne works and the inclusion of purchase and enhancement of Lucan House, alongside €500,000 under the ‘Lucan Destination Town’ initiative represent a multi-million investment in Lucan. Since opening, Council-led events at Lucan House have already demonstrated strong demand, with approximately 3,000 attendees at the Christmas Market and 8,000 at the Christmas Circus. A preliminary economic assessment undertaken as part of the acquisition indicated that, when fully activated, Lucan House and Demesne could attract up to 150,000 visitors annually, generating an estimated €1.5 million in direct visitor revenue and a further €2.25 million in indirect and induced economic benefits per annum. These improvements are intended to strengthen the village’s appeal and support sustained local economic activity over the long term. Public infrastructure investment is delivered for the collective benefit of the community and local economy, and there is no statutory mechanism for compensating individual businesses for temporary impacts arising from such works.

As previously noted, the Economic Development Department will coordinate a targeted social media and promotional campaign upon completion of the works to highlight that Lucan Village is open for business and to encourage increased footfall and renewed engagement with local traders.