Calls for Clondalkin development to be utilised as senior citizen hub

By Maurice Garvey

A MIXED-USE development at Orchard Lane in Clondalkin contains a community space, which has been vacant since it was built 15 years ago.

The development contained a provision for a community space in the original Integrated Area Plan – however the title has not been transferred to South Dublin County Council, who are pursuing the title for ownership through their law department.

The facility should be utilised as a “senior citizen hub”, according to Independent Councillor Francis Timmons, who has been pushing for a resolution for months.

At the recent Clondalkin area meeting, Cllrs Timmons and Trevor Gilligan asked SDCC to secure the site for Clondalkin Men’s Shed – who are temporarily using a private homeowner’s garage but will soon have to move as the owner is planning a renovation.

Cllr Timmons said: ”The ownership should have been sorted out years ago. Senior citizens need a place to meet and carry out different activities.

“15 years is a long time for what was promised. Several different groups could use it including meals on wheels and the men’s shed.”

SDCC have held a number of “exploratory meetings with a range of organisations interested in using the facility” but the “primary difficulty” is that the facility must be fitted out.

“The space has only been provided to shell and core standard and to date no group has been in a position to fund the fitting out of the space to meet their needs,” said a SDCC spokesperson.

Cllr Timmons has called on SDCC to ensure the original builder finishes the facility to the “standard that was in the original tender including toilets and a kitchen area.”

SDCC said a costings report will be delivered to the next area meeting following transfer of title.