COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2026

QUESTION NO. 29

QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

To ask the Chief Executive to examine the provision of appropriate wayfinding signage for sports clubs, community organisations and facilities throughout the County identifying where signage is currently lacking and how a programme of improved wayfinding signage could be progressed.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council recognises the importance of clear and effective wayfinding signage in assisting residents and visitors to access sports clubs, community organisations, leisure facilities and other amenities throughout the County.

The Council currently has a framework for a specialist signage design consultant in place and is in the process of scoping the deliverables associated with the preparation of a Countywide Urban Wayfinding Signage Manual. The objective of this manual will be to establish a coherent and consistent approach to wayfinding across the County through the development of a clearly identifiable family of signs and associated SDCC branding that can be applied across relevant locations.

At present, wayfinding signage is already provided for a number of Council-owned leisure, sports and community facilities. As part of the proposed Countywide Urban Wayfinding Signage Manual a pilot for Tallaght Town Centre and Village will be undertaken to inform the Signage Manual and this will involve an assessment of existing signage provision as well as the identification of opportunities for enhancement where appropriate.

The question of which amenities and destinations should be included within a signage family for the County and polit project area, as well as future wayfinding programmes, is yet to be determined. This assessment will form part of the process of finalising the Signage Manual. In considering future provision, the Council will seek to ensure that signage is targeted, legible and effective. It is envisaged that the Pilot Project and Manual will seek to avoid a significant proliferation of signage throughout the public realm, and it is likely that wayfinding will focus on major public amenities and destinations of general public interest.

The extent to which any additional sports clubs, community organisations and facilities may be included within the pilot area and under future wayfinding schemes, has also yet to be determined and will be considered as part of the process of finalising the Signage Manual.

Public consultation will form an important component of the deliverables and will provide an opportunity for stakeholders, community groups and the wider public to provide feedback on both the proposed signage family for the County and the categories of amenities that should be considered for inclusion. In addition, briefings/workshops will be held with the Elected Members as part of the deliverables to inform the development of the Countywide Urban Wayfinding Signage Manual and ensure local knowledge and priorities are reflected in the final recommendations.

The findings of the pilot project and manual will inform any future programme for the implementation of enhanced wayfinding signage across the County. It is envisaged that any necessary updates to the Countywide Urban Wayfinding Signage Manual will be carried out on phased basis subject to funding availability.