January Update

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll – January 2026 Update

1. Local Community Safety Partnership Launched

I was pleased last week to join local gardaí, representatives of local residents’ associations and fellow Councillors to launch the new Local Community Safety Partnership for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This is an important initiative to improve safety and security in our local communities.

Over the coming months, we will be developing a specific Local Community Safety Plan for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council so that local government, gardaí and local residents can work together to support local safety.

Please do get in touch if there are any issues, views or ideas you would like to feed in to this process.

• Parking Fees at Stillorgan Village

Following the implementation of parking fees in Stillorgan Village late last year, I was pleased, alongside your local Fine Gael team, to welcome Minister for Enterprise Peter  Burke and Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon to Stillorgan Village to meet a number of affected businesses.

The introduction of parking charges just before Christmas, without sufficient consultation, was extremely disappointing. It is clear talking to businesses operating in the centre that these new charges are having a significant, negative impact on business.

I am also very concerned about the impact of these charges in undermining the important role that the shopping centre serves as a hub for the community here in Stillorgan. The imposition of these parking charges has, unfortunately, erected a barrier between the Shopping Centre and the local community which is deeply regrettable and I hope will be seriously reconsidered.

The visit by our Fine Gael ministers for enterprise to our local shopping centre demonstrates our party’s commitment to supporting the local businesses at the heart of our community.

I will continue to work with local businesses, our strong local Fine Gael team, and Fine Gael in government to try and develop a solution that supports local businesses and the community.

• Stillorgan Library

Construction continues on the new Stillorgan Library. Currently handover is scheduled for Q1 2026 which will then allow for the commencement of fit-out.

The furniture and shelving tender issued and is currently being reviewed with the intention to award shortly. Following award, it is anticipated that there may be a 12-week procurement period for some items of furniture, particularly library shelving.

IT installation and the stocking of library shelves will also be required. There may be some overlap between the furniture fit out and DLR fit out, but this would depend on the selected supplier’s fit out programme and timelines for procurement of shelving. A schedule of work for the wind-down of the temporary library in Stillorgan has also been developed.

• Two new classes for children with special educational needs in Stillorgan

Two new special classes will be introduced to schools in Stillorgan in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs. New special classes will be introduced in St. Benildus College and St. Laurence’s Boys’ National School.

The additional classes are a significant step to supporting children with special educational needs and their families in Stillorgan.

The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Stillorgan and reflects the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve.

In my capacity as Fine Gael’s Disability Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Naughton to improve local provision for children with special educational needs and their families.

• Clonmore Park

Following last year’s consultation, a tender to design and deliver planned upgrade works for Clonmore Parl Playground is currently being considered by officials in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Once the winning tender is chosen, the winning design will be put on public display alongside an expected date of completion. I expect to be able to provide a further update on this over the coming months and will work with fellow Councillors to ensure that this is delivered, as previously committed, in advance of summer 2026.

The Council have also carried out extensive cutting back of vegetation at the Wesbury end of the park in preparation for a new path link that has been agreed with the residents and included on the current Parks Path Improvement Programme. The Council has also removed a number of large dead trees from this area and are hoping to engage with the residents there in the coming weeks in relation to community woodland planting.

• Stillorgan Village Area Framework

Phase 4A of the Stillorgan Village Urban Framework Plan, which comprises public realm and road improvement works along Old Dublin Road between Saint Lawrence’s Park and the entrance to Stillorgan College of Further Education, is currently at the detailed design stage.

On completion of this stage, it is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed, with construction works expected to commence on site in early Q2 2026.

Upon completion of the Phase 4A tender process, it is proposed to progress the development of a preliminary design for Phases 3 and 4B, which will be brought forward for public consultation and will focus on works along Kilmacud Road Lower, The Hill, and Old Dublin Road.

• Foxrock Walkability Survey

Following a number of interventions I have made at the Council over the past months, I am pleased to confirm that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will conduct an Age Friendly walkability audit in conjunction with Age Friendly Ireland in March of this year.

The survey will identify potential interventions to assist in ensuring that the village is as accessible as possible for all. Once completed, I will be maintaining the pressure to ensure that the interventions identified are implemented.

• Planning Approval  for Dundrum Central Development will deliver 934 homes

Planning approval was granted late last year for the development 934 homes and amenities at the former Central Mental Hospital site. The site will deliver 753 affordable and cost rental homes alongside 181 social homes. The homes will be a mix of apartments, duplexes and houses to cater to a wide range of needs. This development will play an important role in providing much needed new homes in the area.

• Apply now – Local Enhancement Funding

Government has allocated €203,922.40 for the Community Enhancement Programme in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group is eligible to apply.

Projects may include:

• Refurbishment of community centres
• Accessibility improvements
• Parks, playgrounds, and public realm upgrades
• Youth clubs and sports facilities
• Energy efficiency improvements
• ICT equipment and biodiversity projects

Applications are now open. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://submit.link/4rc

1. In the media
2. ​Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll welcomes Fine Gael Ministers for Enterprise to Stillorgan Village alongside local Fine Gael team(Dublin Gazette, 29^th January)
3. Rejection of Mercosur is a major strategic mistake – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll (Dublin People, 9^th January)