€17.1 Million Secured for Six Regeneration Projects Across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has secured approximately €17.1 million under the first call of the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund for six projects across the county:

- Blackrock Bath Place, Blackrock (Category 1A): €150,000

Department Overseeing – Architects Department
Proposed redevelopment of area to front of Blackrock DART station, the two public car parks, the existing bus terminus and connections to Blackrock Park and Idrone Terrace, as per the Blackrock Local Area Plan (LAP).
The intention is to provide Blackrock with a transformative public plaza, urban realm improvements, a community space and a Mobility Hub for sustainable transport.
The grant approval of €150,000 will further the development of the project and assist in the funding of a consultant design team and supporting studies that will enable the scheme to proceed to Part 8 planning.

- Metals Green Project, Dún Laoghaire (Category 1B): €1.8 million

Department Overseeing - Community, Cultural Services & Parks Department
This project will deliver the redevelopment of a key public open space into a fully accessible urban park. The works will include the construction of universally accessible pathways and improved connections to surrounding streets. A central open lawn will be constructed accommodating informal recreation, community activities and programmed small-scale events, with provision for a small-scale coffee/food kiosk and a dedicated play installation to activate the space and support consistent daily use.

- Dundrum Living Streets, Dundrum (Category 1B): €7.4 million

Department Overseeing – Infrastructure & Climate Change Department
This project will retain the southbound cycle lane on Dundrum Main Street, replace temporary segregation with permanent features to balance cyclist and pedestrian safety and accessibility. It will deliver a mixed-traffic layout with segregated facilities at certain locations and enhance the public realm quality through permanent streetscape improvements such as planting, street furniture and improved surface materials. Enhancements treatments on Sandyford Road to service Holy Cross School is also a key safety outcome of the project, which will support safer routes to school, promote active travel for younger users and address long-standing local concerns for safety in this area.

- Sandyford Urban Framework Plan Review, Sandyford (Category 1A): €150,000

Department Overseeing – Forward Planning Infrastructure (FPI) Department
dlr has commenced a strategic review of the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan to ensure the optimal use of scarce urban land and to support the continued development of Sandyford as a vibrant, sustainable and well-connected urban district.
The review will inform a revised Urban Framework Plan incorporating an extended study area that includes all racecourse lands and adjoining publicly owned lands. This will facilitate the preparation of an integrated masterplan for the wider area, support a coordinated approach to land use, transport, infrastructure, housing, employment and public amenities.
The grant funding of €150,000 will support the evidence-based and plan-led approach underpinning the review, including the appointment of specialist consultancy services and the preparation of supporting technical studies. This work will assist in advancing the review through the statutory planning process and in delivering high-quality and sustainable development outcomes for the area.

- Imaginosity Refurbishment, Sandyford (Category 1B): €7.5 million

Department Overseeing – Community, Cultural Services & Parks Department
dlr proposes to acquire the vacant Imaginosity building at Beacon South Quarter in Sandyford and refurbish and repurpose it as a permanent Community and Library Facility for the surrounding area. The project will include a programme of renovation and fit-out works, address condition/defect items identified and provide a fully accessible, safe and energy-efficient facility.

- Shanganagh Castle Development, Shankill (Category 1A): €150,000.

Department Overseeing – Architects Department
Preparation of an Integrated Urban Strategy (IUS) for Shanganagh Castle and associated buildings and their immediate context to establish an evidence-based framework for the adaptive reuse of the Protected Structure, guided by heritage-led regeneration principles and informed by community and stakeholder engagement.
As well as preparing an IUS, the project will provide for a detailed Economic Assessment and Business Plan, a Conservation Strategy and including archaeological assessments, ecological studies and other supporting technical reports.
The grant approval of €150,000 will enable the appointment of specialist consultants to support the preparation of the IUS using Town Centre First and New European Bauhaus principles. The comprehensive Conservation Strategy will include a condition survey, analysis of heritage significance

The investment will support improvements to public spaces, community facilities, sustainable transport infrastructure and strategic planning initiatives, helping to shape the future development of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and deliver long-term benefits for communities across the county.

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, said:

“These successful projects highlight the important role the Council plays in delivering regeneration and public realm improvements across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. From creating new community facilities and public parks to improving walking and cycling infrastructure and planning for future growth, these investments will help make our County a better place to live, work, and visit. I warmly welcome this funding and look forward to seeing these projects progress in the years ahead.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying:

“This significant funding allocation demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Working together, we can continue to deliver ambitious projects that enhance our towns, villages, and communities. Funding programmes such as this provide vital support to local authorities, enabling us to advance important regeneration initiatives that willbring lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for residents across the County.”

The Council wishes to acknowledge the considerable support provided by Minister Browne and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in preparing this proposal and its continued commitment to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

More information on this funding can be found on the Department’s website.

Notes:

Category 1A funding supports longer-term projects that will be delivered in the later years of the National Development Plan, while Category 1B funding is aimed at projects that can be delivered in the short term and be on site by September 2027.

The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund replaces the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and is designed to support urban regeneration initiatives and the creation of sustainable communities.