COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor V. Casserly

That this Committee requests an audit of vacant or soon to become vacant commercial premises within Lucan Village and a report on measures available to support occupancy, meanwhile use and village regeneration.

REPORT:

The issue of commercial vacancy is being considered on a county-wide basis, recognising that patterns of vacancy and re-occupation vary over time. A recent assessment of commercial properties across South Dublin identified a significant number of premises, but follow-up analysis confirmed that many of these have already returned to use, highlighting both ongoing market activity and the need for continuous monitoring rather than one-off audits.

This broader analysis also points to underlying challenges affecting occupancy, including a shortage of suitable premises for modern business needs, barriers facing start-ups in accessing affordable space and changing trading patterns and cost pressures

In response, the current approach is focused not only on identifying vacancy, but on actively addressing it through targeted supports aimed at reuse, meanwhile use, and regeneration.

We are delighted to confirm that measures have been developed to support the activation of vacant and under-utilised premises, particularly within town centres and village main streets such as Lucan. These include financial support for the fit-out and upgrade of long-term vacant units, assistance for adaptation works to make properties suitable for new enterprise uses, encouragement of temporary uses including pop-up occupation, and support for the subdivision of larger premises to create smaller, more affordable units for emerging businesses. 

These interventions are designed to reduce vacancy levels and improve visual amenity, accelerate the re-use of premises, lower barriers to entry for new businesses, and support the broader regeneration and vitality of villages and town centres.

Applications for such supports are assessed on their merits, with particular regard to location, job creation, level of investment, length of vacancy, and the contribution of the proposal to the vitality of the local area.

Accordingly, while a focused audit of Lucan Village could provide a snapshot at a point in time, the current approach seeks to address vacancy in a more proactive and sustained manner, combining ongoing monitoring with practical supports to bring premises back into use and strengthen village regeneration.