COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

QUESTION NO.9

QUESTION: Councillor Joanna Tuffy

To ask for an update on the conditions attached to a disposal of lands approved by Council at the April Meeting held on 11/4/22 to facilitate the building of a new school and in particular the provision that was made in the terms of the disposal that the Esker Community Initiative be accommodated to the largest possible extent in the new facilities. Does the Council have any up to date information of the status of the lands, the proposed building of a school and whether the Esker Initiative which was a coalition of different local community groups is still in place? Are there any circumstances in which the land would revert to the Council.

REPLY:

The disposal approved by Council in April 2022 (Ref. LD 1539) formed part of a broader regularisation of landholdings between the Council and St. Laurence O’Toole Diocesan Trust. This included resolving historic title issues to facilitate certainty around lands associated with existing and potential future school development; however, no specific school development formed part of the terms of the disposal.

As part of this process, the Council disposed of certain lands by way of lease. The terms of the disposal provide that the relevant lands are to be used for non-profit community and recreational purposes for the widest possible community benefit, including provision for groups comprising the Esker Community Initiative and others identified in a Community Department report.

In that context, the Economic Development Department has sought the input of the Community Department regarding the current position in relation to community use of these lands, including the status of the Esker Community Initiative and any related engagement or proposals.

A further update will be provided when this information is available.