Residents are being invited to have their say on plans to upgrade the Neilstown area, including improvements around Neilstown Shopping Centre
Consultation process starts on District Enhancement Scheme
SOUTH Dublin County Council has announced a Part 8 Public Consultation for the Neilstown District Centre Enhancement Project, encouraging residents to attend the information days, which will take place at the Neilstown Community Centre.
The Neilstown District Centre Enhancement Project is a public realm and active travel project by South Dublin County Council designed to deliver a transformative upgrade for the community.
The proposed development would consist of the redesign and rationalisation of the carpark layout and entrance with designated EV Charging bays, Age Friendly parking bays, parent & child, and Autism friendly parking bays.
In September, €2.1m was assigned to Neilstown as part of the District Centre Enhancement Project, following years of work from Councillors to secure funding for the area.
In 2021, SDCC announced €2m for the Programme, to be divided between four centres, including Rosemount, Tymon, Bawnogue and Neilstown, which was to be delivered by 2025.
In 2025, funding was declined for Neilstown due to issues with “funding and staff” at the Centre, which was described as “very disappointing” by Cllr Loftus.
Additional biodiversity and environmental works including landscaping, increased amenity space and Sustainable Drainage Systems
(SuDS) as well as improved access to the shopping centre for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) including a widened shared path, creation of plaza space with age-friendly seating and new accessible routes along existing car parks.
The Scheme would also see the provision of a safe school drop-off zone, including realignment of Neilstown Village Court Road and improved shared cyclist and pedestrian connections.
Wider public realm works such as the removal or relocation of street furniture and clutter, including railings/gates and minimisation of signage where possible will also be carried out, as well as the provision of public lighting and the creation of Active Play and teen space with the focus on natural measures.
Also included in the plans for Neilstown’s rejuvenation is the inclusion of street art and street furniture, including seating, planters, advertising panels as well as all Ancillary Works and other services.
SDCC’s project vision is to “create a people-first, accessible, and vibrant district centre” with the goal to create “a high-quality, safe, and sustainable environment that promotes socialising, supports local businesses, encourages active travel, and fosters a renewed sense of community pride.”
This will be achieved through a multi-disciplinary design approach that includes the re-assignment of road space to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, including provision of cycle facilities, footpath upgrades and realignment of roads, if required.
The creation of new and enhanced public realm spaces, including plazas, seating areas, and social gathering spots and significant greening and biodiversity enhancement through the planting of trees and the integration of nature-based solutions are also included in the plans.
The Scheme will focus on safety and accessibility for all, with improved lighting, consistent surfaces, and the removal of street clutter.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
