Madigan hopeful that new Dundrum Community Cultural & Civic Hub can be delivered in near future

A new cultural and civic centre for Dundrum would benefit local community groups and greatly enhance life for all local residents, Minister Josepha Madigan has said.

The Dublin Rathdown TD has reiterated her support for the centre, which she previously proposed in her submission to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Local Area Plan for Dundrum (2019-2025).

Minister Madigan said, “In 2018, I was delighted to announce that the Dundrum area received funding, through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, for an assessment of cultural and civic facilities, including a dedicated cultural centre. This was a major priority for me during my time as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.”

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is one of four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The Department of Housing & Local Government oversees the Fund, which has an allocation of €2 billion up to 2027.

Minister Madigan continued: “Following the Department’s second call for proposals under the Fund, I worked closely with the Council to ensure an application was made for this community cultural & civic hub. The Department has yet to make a final decision on this latest round of proposals.

“This would be a major, active community centre with usable space to serve the needs of all the community – mother and toddler mornings; wellness workshops; social media workshops; art classes for all age groups and anything else to meet the needs and wants of our community could be hosted in such a space. Dundrum and the areas surrounding it consist of thriving local communities and these should be supported.”