COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2026

QUESTION NO. 26

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed report into how SDCC will address the need for additional performance / theatre space in the County?

REPLY:

SDCC is addressing the need for additional performance and theatre space through a combination of new cultural infrastructure projects, the enhancement of existing venues, and the development of a countywide Arts Infrastructure Strategy to guide future investment. These measures are intended to increase performance capacity, improve access to cultural facilities, and support a wider range of artistic activity across the county.

Existing performance and theatre facilities within the county include the Civic Theatre and Studio at Rua Red, Tallaght Theatre, Áras Chrónáin, Rathfarnham Castle, the Pearse Museum, the grounds of Lucan House, Orlagh House, and the Park House Café and Hub at Corkagh Park.  

Current projects that will further expand performance and theatre infrastructure include the proposed theatre at the Clonburris Arts Centre, incorporating performance and rehearsal spaces, together with the refurbishment of Lucan House and enhancement of the outdoor auditorium within it's grounds. Budget provision has also been made to carry out a feasibility study on an extension to the Civic Theatre, and an invitation to submit tenders for this study has issued.

Work on an Arts Infrastructure Strategy is nearing completion and a draft will be available for review. The strategy will provide a long-term framework for identifying infrastructure needs and guiding the planning, development and management of arts facilities across South Dublin County.

The development of a dedicated music centre, together with facilities for circus arts, street performance and large-scale spectacle, has also been identified as a longer-term ambition for the City Edge area.

To support outdoor cultural programming, electrical power and data connections have been incorporated into a number of public spaces, including parks and Parthalán Place, facilitating a wider range of outdoor performances and events.