‘We’re talking about the history of Tallaght, will there be a statue of Charlie O’Connor?

PLANS for the development of a heritage centre in Tallaght are gathering pace after councillors approved the public consultation stage of the proposal at a council meeting on Monday.

The proposed centre will be adjacent to the Civic Theatre and will feature artefacts and interpretive exhibitions exploring the history of Tallaght.

In the discussion before the approval of the Part 8 public consultation process, local councillors shared their enthusiasm for the development of the centre.

Cllr Mick Duff (Ind) said: “It’s an auspicious moment for us to get this, specifically knowing that the Tallaght councillors are fully behind this.

“My colleagues Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) and Cllr Teresa Costello (FF) led this charge on this, they put their weight behind this, and I think it’s just an amazing thing for us to have in Tallaght.

“There’s such a wonderful store of history that’s out there, from across the county, that is now being brought in in real-life terms or digitally.

“It’s something that we’re really looking forward to, and I’m delighted that it’s here before us to vote on today.”

Cllr Cathal King (SF) also voiced his support for the centre and said that he is confident that it will be “hugely utilised” by people “from near and far”.

Cllr Costello, who alongside Cllr O’Connor has been a strong proponent for a heritage centre in Tallaght, shared her excitement for the development.

“I’m very, very excited about this heritage centre,” she enthused. “Have I ever mentioned I’m fifth generation Tallaght and very proud of it?

“I always think that, if you know the history of where you’re from, you have more respect for where you live, and I think this is going to be such an amazing addition to our community.

“It’s going to raise people’s pride in where they live.”

At the conclusion of the discussion, Cllr Brian Lawlor (FG) congratulated council management for bringing the project to this stage, and quipped: “We’re talking about the history of Tallaght, will there be a statue of Charlie O’Connor?”

The councillors approved the Part 8, which will now allow the project to progress to the detailed design stage, with plans for construction to commence at the beginning of 2024.