€27.3 million regeneration development is a ‘roadmap for the future of Tallaght’
By Mary Dennehy
SOUTH Dublin County Council is making a €27.3m competitive bid for Tallaght through the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund - which, if successful, will see Tallaght’s core area “re-energised” through a number of key projects to be delivered by 2022.
The local authority has until Friday, September 28, to submit its case for Tallaght to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) 2018, which, part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040, aims to ensure that urban areas become ‘attractive’ and ‘vibrant’ places into the future.
The council’s vision to re-energise Tallaght will be delivered under three concepts; Connected Neighbourhood and Enterprise, Housing Choices and Healthy and Green.
In a presentation to elected representatives in County Hall on Monday, September 10, council management outlined how it wants to address legacy issues within Tallaght’s urban centre such as plot vacancy, connections, amenity, services and housing choice – with a focus on the regeneration of brownfield sites.
In a comment to The Echo, a spokesperson for the council said: “The bid recognises the importance of Tallaght to the South Dublin area and seeks to re-energise its core area through the regeneration of brownfield sites for Housing , Enterprise and Amenity use, the development of a greatly enhanced public realm, the provision of new amenities and the improvement of connections to the centre for the general population.”
Specific details on each of the projects have not yet been released by the council.
However, the proposed projects include the creation of link roads and connections between existing areas, enhancing accessibility in-and-around the town centre – and opening land not currently being used.
Also listed is the creation of a Belgard Civic Plaza, a Tallaght Innovation Hub, a new Civic Square, a Transport Hub, a fourth stand for Tallaght Stadium, astro pitches at Sean Walsh Park, a Tallaght Heritage Trail, Tymon Library and the development of Killinarden Park and Bancroft Park.
Social and affordable housing is also part of the overall vision for the area.
Speaking with The Echo, Tallaght Central councillor Charlie O’ Connor (Fianna Fail) said: “I don’t normally do excited but I was excited by the presentation.
“This proposal is positive recognition of Tallaght, our County Town… and I think the proposals presented by the CEO are a roadmap for the future.”
He added: “Despite all of the infrastructure and investment in Tallaght over the years, more does need to be done and I believe that these proposals will benefit the commuity and cement Tallaght as the County Town.”
Sinn Fein councillor Cathal King told The Echo that he “fully supports” the proposal, believing that it is a “great, innovative mix of enterprise and social”.
Cllr King also stressed that a number of the proposals are subject to Part 8, which will allow for community feedback if funding is secured.
A decison on funding is expected by the end of 2018, with the construction of a number of projects to commence in early 2019 if Tallaght’s bid is successful.
