Calls to revive Cookstown estate in Tallaght
By Mary Dennehy
FRESH calls have been made for investment and vision to be directed into the Cookstown Industrial Estate in an attempt to revive the once-vibrant location into a hub for new business and services.
More than half of the estate’s industrial and retail units now lie empty, with some areas of Cookstown falling into disrepair and acting as a beacon for anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping.
Recently Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Richardson called on South Dublin County Council to focus on the local industrial estate and to take action concerning the “derelict” look of the area.
“The Cookstown Industrial Estate has been on my agenda for a long time but action needs to be taken now, it’s getting worse,” Cllr Richardson said.
“Half of the units up at the hospital-end are empty and this is far from good for businesses located in the area
. . . and it won’t attract any new ones.
“Some parts look derelict and it’s just encouraging anti-social behaviour.”
He added: “The Whitestown Industrial Estate and the Business Park that South Dublin Chamber run are both currently full, which shows that people want to start businesses in the Tallaght area.
“Cookstown is well located with two Luas stops, and is the ideal location for a small business park for start-up enterprises, for example.
“It would support businesses alongside creating employment opportunities.
“Something needs to be done now and contact needs to be made with the owners of any empty units.”
Cllr Richardson said that the council has tried to track down a number of owners, but it’s proving difficult in some cases.
According to the council, a comprehensive assessment of Cookstown and other industrial areas across the county is currently underway – which involves assessment of vacant units, the determination of ownership and engagement.
The council is also examining incentives or enforcement options to accelerate the return-to-use or refurbishment of units.
An investigation into the demand for additional enterprise space in the county, including the potential of using existing areas such as Cookstown, is also being carried out.
Outside of this, the council has under its Business Support Fund facilitated recent improvements in Cookstown such as landscaping and fencing works, road and pathway improvements, the refurbishment of two units for micro-enterprise development and engagement with businesses operating in the estate concerning supports.
