Dublin Mid-West Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has welcomed detail and confirmation for significant investment for the development of the 12th Lock vicinity in Lucan, as part of a masterplan being progressed by South Dublin County Council.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “This preliminary plan was presented to councillors by the Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development and was mostly received with welcome and positive comments and some questions. We were provided with a plan outlining the early concept to develop the 12th Lock area on both the east and west sides of the Newcastle Road over the next 3 years. The preliminary plans outlined the objective as one that will attract visitors, whilst providing a central hub for local people, families, organisations, and clubs to utilise and enjoy.
“This is a real opportunity to include within the plans, some of the most basic community service facilities so badly needed, such as an additional local creche. Early indications suggest a number of potential outlet types, including a mixed use enterprise centre, tourism office, an aparthotel, restaurant and café, bicycle rental and even a kayaking club within over a dozen plausible space uses.
“The Grand Canal Greenway will also be extended from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch Bridge as part of the overall Department of Transport’s Greenway Programme. This key 4 km section will provide safe access to people working locally and become an amenity for the residents of the planned adjacent Clonburris SDZ as well as those living in established residential areas of Adamstown and Lucan. Site investigations are completed, and the main construction works will be substantially completed over 12 months and expected to begin soon, enabling people to walk and cycle from as far as Inchicore to Hazelhatch Bridge.
“Given the overall investment confirmed during the meeting and set to be in the region of €5.5m, careful consideration really needs to be given, as to how this project will best address the immediate community need in the first instance. Lucan has a growing and diverse population with amongst the highest number of teenagers in the country, so it is critical that we are always delivering real service need and infrastructural to meet actual requirements that both promote and serve our communities.”
