Disappointment as Neilstown Shopping Centre improvement plans put on hold
Plans to upgrade the lights, car park, and general appearance of the shopping centre, are not included in the District Centre Enhancement scheme.
Mark Ward, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Mid-West, has expressed his disappointment at the news.
'I am extremely disappointed that plans to enhance Neilstown Shopping Centre have been put on hold,' Mr Ward said.
'A budget of €2m had been allocated for the District Centre Enhancement scheme, which will see South Dublin County Council make improvements to four shopping centres by 2025.
'Neilstown was to be included in this programme.
'South Dublin County Council held an informal meeting in February with several shop owners to try and resolve some of the maintenance issues.
'At this meeting, there was a discussion on a wider enhancement scheme and there is good support for it.
'South Dublin County Council said it listened to the shop owners, but unfortunately does not have the staff resources available to commit to an extensive public consultation and design process it feels the scheme merits.
'This is extremely disappointing to shop owners and customers.'
South Dublin County Council informed Mr Ward it is prioritising resources to the Clondalkin Local Area Plan over Neilstown.
'Speaking with locals, they saw this as a chance to upgrade the lights, the car park and the general appearance of the shopping centre,' he said.
'According to the council, the objective is to create places that enhance pedestrian and cycle connections, provision of common areas, and creation of vibrant, distinctive places.
'Neilstown Shopping Centre also has community facilities like the youth service, community centre, GP, and support services.
'It was very welcome to see works starting on the Bawnogue Shopping Centre and the residents in north Clondalkin felt Neilstown was next.
'South Dublin County Council informed me it is prioritising resources to the Clondalkin Local Area Plan over Neilstown.
'This plan is some way off and I will be working with my colleague Cllr Niamh Fennell to have resources put into Neilstown, so shop owners and residents get the shopping centre they deserve.'
The Irish Independent has contacted South Dublin County Council for comment.
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