Cllr Helen Farrell – Independent, Lucan
Working with Paul Gogarty TD
There has been a welcome update on the future of Lucan House and Demesne, following recent discussion at the Lucan, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin Area Committee meeting of 22nd September 2026. Lots of constituents have been asking what happens next, in relation to Lucan House & Demesne, and this following update will take you through the commitments and plans by SDCC for both.
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has outlined its plans for the next stages of this important restoration project, including:
- conservation works to the historic house and boundary walls,
- improved public access, and
- the anticipated timeline for bringing parts of Lucan House back into use.
While there is still a considerable amount of work ahead, we now have a clearer indication of what is planned and when we might expect to see progress.
Restoration works could begin in 2027
SDCC has confirmed that it is working towards putting the next phase of the Lucan House and Demesne project on public display towards the end of 2026, as part of the Part 8 planning process. This means that the public can review the proposed plans in the “Part 8 planning application” and give their feedback on the proposed plans to SDCC – whether as a group, or as individuals. This can be done online through the SDCC Consultation Portal and I’ll inform constituents once it goes “live”. If any constituents would like assistance to make a submission, please get in touch with me and I’d be delighted to help.
Subject to the necessary approvals, the Council hopes to commence works during the second or third quarter of 2027. These initial works could include:
- Improvements to the outdoor spaces and walking trails.
- Enabling works to prepare the estate for further restoration.
- Conservation and restoration of the ground and first floors of Lucan House.
- Bringing restored sections of the historic house back into public use.
The Council’s intention is to open up as much of the estate as possible during the restoration programme, rather than keeping everything closed until the entire project is completed.
Funding: The council is investigating various funding mechanisms, including potential incentives from Culture Ireland .
Timeline: Public display for the Part 8 process is anticipated toward the end of 2026, with on-site construction targeted for Q2 or Q3 of 2027 .
Phased Works: Initial efforts will focus on enabling works, outdoor interventions, trails, and the ground and first floors of the house to allow public access during larger works .
Priority Repairs:
- Roof works are currently being advanced to protect the interior fabric .
- Repairs to bulging and collapsed sections of the perimeter wall are expected to begin in the coming weeks .
Design Approach: The project will follow “adaptive reuse” and good conservation practices to avoid massive structural interventions .
Protecting the historic house – including its roof and interiors
One of the issues I raised at the meeting was the condition of the interior of Lucan House. Two unrelated members of the public had recently contacted me about lifting parquet flooring, and I asked whether there was an indicative timeline for restoring the ground and first floors. The Manager confirmed that priority conservation works have already been completed on the northern section of the roof (the part nearest the Liffey), with further roof repairs now being investigated. This is particularly important because the condition of the roof is the most important aspect in the preservation of the historic interiors and structure generally.
SDCC hopes to progress the ground and first floor restoration alongside the outdoor works in 2027, subject to approvals. I will continue to follow up on the reported flooring deterioration, as I believe we need to ensure that the historic fabric of the building is protected while the wider restoration plans progress.
Repairs to the historic boundary walls
There was also a positive update regarding the damaged boundary walls of the Demesne. The Manager confirmed that the Council was finalising the procurement of a contractor to address two particularly concerning sections – one where the wall is bulging and another where it has collapsed, near the Ball Alley Pub. At the time of the meeting (22nd Sept 2026), these repairs were expected to begin within weeks.
Further maintenance, including repointing, and the management of invasive vegetation, is expected to form part of the wider conservation programme.
Public access will be maintained where possible
The reopening of sections of Lucan Demesne earlier this year has been very well received, and it has been wonderful to see people enjoying this historic space again.
The Council has confirmed that it intends to manage the restoration works in phases, allowing some sections to remain accessible while construction takes place elsewhere, where this can be done safely.
This is a sensible approach. Lucan House and Demesne should increasingly become a living, accessible part of our village, rather than remaining closed off for years while works continue.
I have personally raised the need for public toilets (including accessible portaloos) on the site, as at present, there are no public facilities in the demesne at all! I find this to be unacceptable, as despite the manager referring to the short visits that tend to be made to the demesne, people still need basic facilities! I will continue to raise the need for this at future ACM’s as I don’t think it’s acceptable to expect people to hold on, or be forced, in the case of genuine urgency, to go “in the bushes”, which creates public health issues.
What about parking?
Parking is another vital issue, particularly given the growing popularity of Lucan Village and the additional visitors that the restoration of Lucan House could attract. Parking is already under a lot of strain in the village, both for residents, visitors and in terms of businesses being able to attract customers into the village.
The Manager acknowledged that parking provision remains under consideration for the demesne, with the Council assessing how many spaces will be required for the proposed future uses of the estate. Importantly, SDCC confirmed that its previously stated intention to make the car park available for public use has not changed. The precise arrangements and number of spaces have yet to be confirmed, and I will be seeking further clarification as the plans develop. I will be advocating an allocation of spaces on par with similar attractions in Fingal. There is the possibility that in the future, some locations in Lucan will be poised to introduce paid parking on their curtilage, to operate in tandem with demense parking, but this is something that I’m keeping firmly in my sights for local businesses.
Keeping residents informed and involved
One point raised by several councillors was the importance of ensuring that the public can see how their earlier contributions to the Lucan House masterplan have influenced the final proposals – which are being brought forward in Part 8 plans Q4 2026.
The Manager confirmed that a consultation report was prepared – following the extensive workshops with residents, local businesses and councillors, showing how feedback was incorporated into the masterplan. The Manager offered to circulate this report and provide progress updates to councillors, which will help us keep the community informed. As yet, I have not received this report, to my knowledge.
There will also be a further opportunity for public participation during the Part 8 planning process, including an in-person consultation event in Lucan. This is likely, at a guess, Q4 2026-Q1 2027. Good quality onoing communication is essential between SDCC, representatives and the public, particularly for a project of this scale and importance.
Funding the restoration
SDCC is continuing to investigate funding opportunities for the project, including potential support through Fáilte Ireland. The Council is also considering the business and operational planning required to support future funding applications.
While there is no confirmed new funding announcement at this stage, it is encouraging that the Council is actively examining how to resource the next phases of development. As heritage is an area of expertise, I remain in touch with national organisations involved with this and also keep an eye out on the European resources, and will feed anything in terms of possible available funding to SDCC Management. Please get in touch with me if this is something that you are also interested in, or have information on? hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
What happens next?
The Council has indicated that a more detailed update will be brought before the Area Committee ahead of the Part 8 process, although a definite meeting date has not yet been confirmed.
In the meantime, I will be following up on the immediate conservation priorities, particularly the boundary wall repairs, further roof works and the condition of the house’s historic interiors, and will report back on all developments to you, the public.
Lucan House and Demesne is one of the most important heritage assets in our area. It’s nearly inconceivable that so much of the medieval manor, church and residential tower, converted medieval chapel into an 18th century bath house, rusticated bridges, worker’s cottages, outbuildings, stables, dairy, and gate lodges all remain intact!
Its restoration presents a wonderful opportunity for Lucan, not just in terms of preserving our architectural and natural heritage, but also in creating a new public amenity that can contribute to village life, tourism, local businesses and community activities. It will completely transform Lucan! For so many centuries, the demesne has been the preserve of the elite, now the public will hopefully be able to finally access the house regularly in the future and the other heritage buildings be sensitively repurposed for community, Arts, and other uses.
It is encouraging to see this project moving forward, but I also want to see clear timelines, proper conservation standards and regular public updates as the plans develop and I will continue to keep residents informed as further details emerge.
Cllr Helen Farrell
Independent Councillor – Lucan, Palmerstown & North Clondalkin
Working with Paul Gogarty TD
www.helenfarrell.com
