10 things our readers wish were in Tallaght

There has been much talk lately about the development of Tallaght, what it needs for the future, and what needs to be done to make Tallaght a better place to live.

With this in mind, and not to get too serious, we thought we would ask our readers what they wished was in Tallaght.

Up first and top of the list is Penneys! It’s one of the longest running sagas at this stage, and despite a new store opening in Liffey Valley late last year, people still really want a Penneys in Tallaght.

Whenever anyone mentions the topic people get really irate about the fact they can’t pick themselves up a few bargains on their doorstep.

Next (and kind of on a serious note) is a second Garda station. According to a report in the Echo in May of this year there are 245 officers operating out of Tallaght and Rathfarnham Garda stations for a population of more than 140,000 people.

Located in the town centre, Tallaght Garda Station shares resources with Rathfarnham Garda Station, which falls within the Tallaght district, and together they share a combined work-force of 245 officers across all ranks – including a Superintendent.

According to Garda figures, around 175 Garda are based at Tallaght while 70 work out of the Rathfarnham station.

In 2015 councillor Ronan McMahon made the call for a second station. He even identified a piece of land next to Tallaght Leisure Centre where he said the station could be built.

What about a bus from Tallaght to Lucan and vice versa? After British bus company Go-Ahead secured the operation of 24 bus routes from Dublin Bus earlier this month many called for new services, with a lot of people asking about a bus from Tallaght to Lucan.

The Outer Ring Road, fully equipped with bus lanes from start to finish, was identified by many as the perfect route, and we think it would be greatly appreciated by those who currently have to take two buses.

Reopen the Cuckoo’s Nest. You would be surprised how many people mentioned this as their first choice. The much-loved local boozer has been closed since May 2015.

Although the sale of the premises and the land behind it, which has planning permission for a 45-unit residential estate, is expected to go through in September, it appears any chances of a pint on Christmas Eve are a bit away yet.

A new nightclub? Since the glory days of Cocos, Fables and Level Four, there has really only been one staple nightclub in Tallaght.

SHOW (AKA The Playhouse) has been the one-stop shop for nightclub lovers, and many got very excited at the thoughts of a new venue to dance the night away in.

Liverpool’s Concert Square – via Liverpool Echo

A designated area with bars, restaurants, and more? That brings us on to one of the most sought after things people wished for in Tallaght.

The fragmented nature of the village means pubs, clubs and restaurants are dotted around the area and further afield, rather than being bunched together to create a social nightlife scene where you could hop from one to the other.

What about an ice rink? Ok, this may seem small to some, but in recent years many have travelled to Liffey Valley, Blanchardstown, Dundrum and Swords during the winter and other times of the year for a skate.

Surely, like in many other areas, some sort of temporary rink could be created in Tallaght to help with the winter months, and who knows, maybe the next Irish ice skating star could be from Tallaght!

We definitely need a doughnut shop, right? Unless you have been hiding under a rock you will have noticed the explosion of the shops in the city centre.

It’s like the coffee craze of the early 2000s, except far prettier and sweeter. Rolling Donut have even opened a unit in Liffey Valley – surely Tallaght is next.

What about a top quality Italian restaurant? It may seem like we have been overloaded with restaurants in the Tallaght area in recent years, but what about an Italian?

Some think a good quality Italian restaurant would be a real addition to the area, and as fans of Antipasto, Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico, and fine Italian coffee, we would never say no to a nice Italian.

Finally, a multipurpose sports facility? With so many clubs, across a multitude of sports, surely Tallaght could do with a facility to cater for all?

Yes, we have a running track just off the Greenhills Road, which is used by Tallaght Athletic Club and others, but with so many people playing so many sports, would a multipurpose sports facility be a good addition to the area?

If all that was not enough, we want to hear from even more of you. Tell us what you think Tallaght needs, and we’ll compile a definitive list.

We’ve already had some more great suggestions so we’ll be adding to the list in the coming days.