Thumbs up for village revamp greenlit

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has voted in favour of a number of proposals to improve Lucan village, including a commitment to renovate the weir promenade.
At the July county council meeting, the council agreed on the planned Part 8 planning proposals to improve Lucan village which was first outlined in the council’s development plan for 2010–16.
As part of the council’s plans for urban renewal works in Lucan village, the approved proposals are to widen the entrances at Lucan Bridge and Watery Lane and to install new steps to Lucan weir promenade with viewing platforms and railings.
New trees, public lights, bollards and the removal of three on-street car parking spaces were also outlined in the plan.
The proposal that would have seen a new footbridge in Lucan village over the canal was not approved as the council feared that this may increase the risk of flooding.
The primary flood risk was believed to affect both Kenny’s and O’Neill’s public houses which are located at the lowest point in the village and are close to location of the proposed footbridge.
Welcoming the development, Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said: “I warmly welcome the approval of works to complete the weir promenade and to provide new steps from Lucan Bridge.
“This approval follows recent works including the installation of benches and public lighting. When completed, I firmly believe that Lucan’s weir promenade will be one of the most attractive and picturesque urban spaces in the whole of Dublin.
“I continue to push for works in the village green area. However I could not have supported plans for a footbridge and a break in the flood defence wall while we were still awaiting flood risk assessment.
“It is imperative that nothing we do increases the flood risk for local business premises.
“I believe we will be able to finalise an acceptable plan for the area which transforms the village green from a place people go around to a thriving heart for Lucan village,” said Cllr Lavelle.
The village is included in the nine traditional villages of South Dublin County Council identified for the villages initiative. The works to be delivered in this programme is intended to improve the villages in social, economic and environmental performance.
These new projects will help to develop the villages as the accessible focus of walking and amenity networks for their adjoining communities.