COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

MOTION NO.10

MOTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To call on the Manager to make some small changes to the current weekend arrangement for access to Lucan House & Demesne; the access is working well and it is brilliant to see that the demesne and house surrounds are open to the public. I am asking that the signage on the main gate (older gates) be clearer that it is the entrance to the house/demesne (a corriboard sign perhaps?), that the gate be opened a bit wider to show that it is clearly open, and large redirectional signage be put on the newer gates, with a map and information on opening hours, as many people are just going to those gates and then leaving disappointed, as they are not in use. I further call on the Manager to provide 2 -4 portaloos inside the yard area for visitors, in the short term. An update on what will happen in terms of access to the demesne and house after the summer is ended would be useful too.

REPORT:

The opening of the grounds to the public at weekends has been well received and has provided valuable public access to the estate. This has afforded visitors the opportunity to view part of the grounds and the exterior of the house in advance of the planned restoration and refurbishment works.

Access via the gates adjacent to the stables has operated successfully to date. To further enhance the visitor experience, this gate will be opened to a greater extent, as requested, and the main entrance will also be opened during public opening hours.

New information signage will be installed at both entrances, clearly outlining the opening hours. These opening hours will be adjusted throughout the year to reflect available daylight hours.

Given the limited extent of public access and the relatively short duration of most visits, toilet facilities are not currently being provided. Such facilities will be delivered as part of the longer-term plans for the estate as additional visitor infrastructure and amenities are brought into operation.