South Dublin County Council has engaged tourism development consultancy firm CHL Consulting Company Ltd to develop a tourism product and proposition development plan for Lucan. The plan will produce a roadmap to help the tourism and hospitality sector in Lucan and environs to attract more visitors to the town. CHL have also been tasked with developing a number of themes for Lucan reflecting the uniqueness and appeal of the area which will help to market this part of South Dublin to visitors.
Welcoming the appointment, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Ed O’Brien said “this is another example of the benefit which has derived from Lucan’s designation as a ‘destination town’ by Fáilte Ireland last year and will ultimately furnish visitors with more reasons to visit Lucan. CHL Consulting Company Ltd will review the existing tourism related products and visitor experiences in the area to help develop a realistic and practical roadmap for businesses to enhance their offering, collaborations and linkages not just in Lucan but the wider Dublin area and within the Dublin ‘Surprising By Nature’ proposition. I would like also to acknowledge Fáilte Ireland’s involvement in part funding this study. South Dublin County possess the natural and cultural assets to establish and sustain a vibrant tourism sector. The Council has invested significantly in reinforcing the County’s tourism strength to help create a range of recreational and leisure activities and attractions all within a short journey time from the centre of Dublin and this latest news underlines that commitment and investment.”
CHL Consulting Company Limited was established in 1984 and is a specialist destination planning, management and research consultancy, providing a range of consulting and project management services to the arts, tourism, hospitality, cultural heritage and education sectors. The company has extensive experience in product development planning, feasibility analyses and business planning throughout Ireland, and in more than 60 countries overseas.
Commenting on the engagement and the firm’s task ahead, Managing Director of CHL Consulting Company Ltd Michael Counahan said. “We in CHL are delighted to have been appointed to prepare this tourism development plan for Lucan. There is a rich history to the area and a strong sense of identity that will provide the platform for establishing compelling tourism propositions and experiences. These will enable Lucan to draw from the busy tourist flows in Dublin that we expect will return once we get past the present pandemic. We look forward to engaging with SDCC, tourism bodies, local businesses and the local community over the coming months.”
This engagement is the latest in a series of recent announcements for Lucan. In January 2021, South Dublin County Council appointed DHB Architects to design public realm enhancements in Lucan Village allocating funding of €2,000,000 for public realm improvements to the riverside and village green areas. Separately the council is advancing plans for the development of a greenway linking the two canals via Lucan village which will further enhance its destination status. The overall objective in keeping with the County Tourism Strategy is the promotion of Lucan as a tourism destination of note within the Dublin region.
