15 APRIL 2026 – LUCAN VILLAGE WORKS
The Chief Executive of SDCC, Colm Ward, gave the following update on works in Lucan at this week’s Council meeting:
“Lucan Village: Significant progress has been
made, and the major public realm upgrades across three sites in Lucan—Lucan Village, the Weir, Promenade, and Lucan Demesne—are nearing completion but project delays arising from severe weather, which increased water levels, and delays in the delivery of metalwork items for the bandstand, have resulted in proposed handover by the contractor of the Lucan Demesne and Lucan Village sites during the week ending 24 April. Outstanding works include:
– completion of landscaping and
– installation of the bandstand, and
– seating at the Demesne entrance.
A revised programme, with appropriate contractor resourcing, is awaited for the promenade works, where the main outstanding construction element is the steps adjacent to
Lucan Bridge where works have commenced.”
I believe that the following questions should be asked of SDCC, at this point:
- What works will remain outstanding after the proposed handover date?
- Is this a full or partial handover, and what contractual protections remain?
- When will the revised programme for the Weir Promenade be issued?
- Are additional resources now committed to prevent further slippage?
- How will public safety and accessibility be managed at the bridge steps during construction, and will construction (with an unspecified programme as yet) impact on access to the weir at the Western end for the duration of what may be the Summer?
I will endeavour to get answers to these questions for the public and will keep you updated.
It is also frustrating to have to report back the following information from my discussion with the person overseeing the village works in SDCC. He refused my request for semi-mature trees at this point, saying it is outside the tree-planting season (which is probably a fair enough point, at this stage) and that they would “review it” in October 2026. Will SDCC really be open to planting semi-mature trees in October? In any case, I have it in my diary to pursue this issue strongly, until we get what was promised to us; namely the use of semi-mature trees in the planting scheme, to soften the look of the cut-limestone design.
Secondly, SDCC promised previous and current Councillors that the wooden sculpture that used to sit in Lucan Village Green would be returned, on completion of the works. Another promise that they are vacillating about, as they have told me that it has come out of storage and been put in Waterstown Park, Palmerstown, and they were not sure that it would fit in with the new design of the green. I explained how much this sculpture meant to people and reminded them of the promise to return it, but I have a motion down for the next Area Committee Meeting on 28th April, 2026, to request its return to the green.
Finally, my idea to locate a “Little Free Library” book swap station in the park was not dismissed out of hand, but the focus of SDCC is now on finishing the green to the specifications and any other idea that impinges on this is currently being pushed down the road. I believe the addition of a Little Free Library would greatly add to the green (if we can call it that, after all the cut-limestone that predominates) and would be popular with old and young alike. I will continue to update you on plans.
8 APRIL 2026 – LUCAN VILLAGE WORKS
I was in the village yesterday and your can view my short reel here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1448850919663738
Essentially, SDCC promised to use high-quality, “semi-mature” trees in the planting around the village green at the March Area Committee Meeting. I was glad, but wanted to see it happen before relaxing. At the recent April Area Committee Meeting, they backtracked, and said that they wouldn’t be using semi-mature trees because younger trees established themselves better than semi-mature. A number of other Councillors present also supported the motion that I had put forward on this, but in the end, the Manager’s negative response was “noted”, so no progress there.
However, each Local Representative has access to 25,000 of funds for Local Priorities. This can only be used for works that benefit many, are positive, non-partisan etc. I could think of few things better than using some of this allocated money to purchase semi-mature trees and get them planted in the village green, to take the harsh look off the cut-limestone. I have sent in a request to the Senior Manager in charge today 8th April, and await their reply. Once I hear back, I will let everyone know the outcome. I have also asked about the provision of a “Little Free Library” (a book-swap) for the village green too, also from the Local Priority Fund, as I believe young and old would enjoy the experience of sharing books with each other.
Finally, constituents have been in touch to ask about the reinstatement of the wood carving that used to be on the village green. I have asked the Senior Manager for an update on this also, and of any plans for its location/date. More to follow…..
23 FEBRUARY 2026 – Lucan Village Works
There’s a lot of workers, equipment and movement today in the village. There is road line-marking happening, installation of lovely weatherproof parasols over picnic areas in the village green, and the laying down of what looks like the “green blocks” that will allow a certain amount of grass and drainage to create a surface for walking. Is the end in sight? I think so, looking at the progress today, it is starting to take final shape. Let’s hope that the planting doesn’t let the whole thing down and is semi-mature trees and lush grasses, bringing a bit of green back to the Green.
17 DECEMBER 2025 – Lucan Village Works – Updated Timelines and Local Impact
I recently requested a full update from South Dublin County Council on the ongoing works in Lucan Village, covering the Village Green, the Promenade, and Lucan Demesne. Here’s where things stand:
Lucan Demesne
- Parking areas are open and pedestrian signals are operational.
- Remaining works include the park gate, fencing, seating, and other furniture.
- Expected completion: end of February 2026.
Promenade & Liffey Weir
- Steps and the widened plaza near Lucan Bridge are under construction.
- Expected completion: end of February 2026.
Village Green
- A section is open for the Christmas tree and lights.
- Remaining works include paving, public lighting, benches, river wall, glass riverside parapet, landscaping, trees, and the bandstand.
- Major works resume in January, with full completion and handover by mid-March 2026.
While these upgrades will enhance our historic village in the long term, the prolonged delays—now stretching well over a year—are having a serious impact on local businesses and essential services, including GP practices. Accessibility for older people and wheelchair users remains a challenge despite temporary measures. Access isn’t just about ramps; it’s about the entire journey—safe crossings, transport, and parking.
I will continue to push for:
- Better communication from SDCC.
- Immediate practical measures to reduce disruption.
- Delivery of my recently passed motion for an economic recovery plan for Lucan businesses, developed in partnership with them.
Lucan deserves a vibrant, accessible village. Investment in our public realm is welcome, but it should never come at the cost of safety or livelihoods.
30 OCTOBER 2025: UPDATE FROM SDCC MANAGEMENT ON THE RECENT MEETING WITH LUCAN VILLAGE TRADERS – NO BUDGING ON PLANS
Lucan traders recently met with SDCC management and some Local Councillors (including myself) to request changes to their proposed new bus stop design and location at Carroll’s / Muintir na Tíre, as well as the pedestrian crossing, but SDCC reported back that the scheme designer confirmed it complies with planning, and “cannot” be altered. There was unanimous agreement that this bus stop design will further slow up through-flow of traffic in the village, but SDCC are proceeding with the plans, as they are.
Construction of the bus stop and crossing will proceed, with works likely scheduled for November to avoid disruption during the Christmas period.
One suggestion at the meeting was to provide extra parking areas at the Village Cafe where bus stop is currently provided. SDCC will investigate this with a view to providing parking spaces at this location and see if any other improvements can be made to parking availability along Lucan Road.
Village Green Road Works Overview:
Bank of Ireland Crossing:
Construction is progressing and is expected to be largely complete by the first week of November. Once finished, traffic management measures at this location will be removed, improving traffic flow along Main Street.
AIB Crossing Platform:
Work will continue and is anticipated to be completed in three weeks. Upon completion, the right-turn lane into Main Street will be reinstated, along with two straight-ahead lanes on Lucan Road—toward Dublin and Leixlip. Traffic management measures at this location will be removed and the new footpath will also be available for pedestrian use.
Lucan Rd. Adamstown Rd. Junction (Courtney’s Junction):
Replacement of the old traffic signal poles is ongoing and will continue until the end of November. Once completed, the road will be resurfaced and re-marked at the junction where utility trenches were previously constructed. The resurfacing works are scheduled to take place during night work hours.
22 OCTOBER 2025: LOCAL BUSINESSES & PROPOSED VILLAGE BUS STOP With Cllr. Liona O’Toole (chairing) and Cllr. Caroline Brady, I met concerned Lucan business owners this week, along with the Manager from SDCC who’s overseeing the proposed relocation of the bus stop at Carroll’s. Businesses are unilaterally opposed to reducing traffic on Eastern side of the green to single lane, resulting in buses stopping all traffic behind. I represented views of Lucan Taxi Drivers who are in complete opposition to this. Manager to revert with alternatives, but there are no promises.
10 SEPTEMBER 2025:
I had a chance for a good look at the works at the village green and weir at the weekend, during the wonderful Lucan Festival. Progress looks very behind schedule at this stage. The workers are laying cut limestone with a tiny amount of “wiggle room” between blocks, so this precise work takes time. However, we have to ask now if this will be finished in time for Christmas 2025?
I hope to have a more precise update for you after the Area Committee Meeting for Lucan, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin on 23rd September. Works at the Weir also seem surprisingly slow. The delivery of the impressive stone disc public seating has happened, and the layout of an area for planting seems to be near completion, but to be honest, I thought more would have been achieved by now. With complex projects I suppose it is easy to judge, but supply chains may have needed to be rejigged in the background, or changes may have happened in the project that we don’t know about? Italso struck me that the whole weir area in front of the works needs dredging, as the invasive Himalayan Balsam (although beautiful when in flower) has taken hold and is taking over the banks. It can cause a major risk to native biodiversity and ecosystems as well as destabilisation of river banks. It spreads very easily, as I’ve spotted it in Edmundsbury too. I’ll be logging that on the SDCC system for attention.
But back to the progress of the works. Lucan has waited a long time for this work to reach completion and I do see an end in sight. I’ll keep the pressure on for work progress to speed up to get this completed, and will update you all as soon as I hear it.
24 July 2025: Village Update: Progress Across the Green and Demesne
Since my last update, there has been much progress in the Village Green (VG) and surrounding area works:
- 🏛️ The second Amphitheatre has now been installed at the north end of the village, adding another space for community gatherings and events.
- ⚡ ESB connections are progressing well at both the Village Green and the Demesne, with several already completed.
- 🚧 Kerbing and paving works are underway along the promenade and within the Demesne, improving accessibility and aesthetics.
- 🪜 Promenade stairs are scheduled for construction in the coming weeks, further enhancing connectivity.
- 🪨 Stone works will begin early next week in the Village Green.
- 🚶♀️ Footpath and crossing improvements have started this week at the Village Green. Work is beginning at the corner near AIB and will continue across from Carroll’s Pub, where Bretland will be installing new kerbing, footpath buildouts, and crossings.
To ensure safety during these works, the area will be barriered off and a temporary pedestrian route will be in place. Any questions or comments? Let me know below, or email me at hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie .
JUNE 2025
A few constituents have been in touch with me in the last month to ask if SDCC or Bretland Construction have any more visuals of the intended look of the finished village green. I’m happy to add that SDCC sent me a view, looking South towards Courtney’s Pub [sketched in grey in the image] and it does help a bit in terms of seeing the completed work that’s underway.
Hopefully this will give you a better idea of how things will look, once the flood alleviation works underlying parts of the main design (which will be totally hidden, once finished) are finished, and work will move to the infill design and finally, the planting. Currently, the works are due to be completed this Autumn 2025, just slightly behind schedule because of a delay to allow trout spawning.
Any questions or comments? Let me know below, or email me at hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie .
Cllr Helen Farrell 