So like, there was this plan to upgrade the Neilstown shopping centre in Clondalkin, right? But then it got put on hold because there weren’t enough staff available. The centre was supposed to be part of this big scheme to make shopping centres in the South Dublin County Council area better, but now it’s like, delayed or something. The council thinks they need to do a bunch of public consultation and design stuff, but they don’t have the staff for it. People are kinda bummed that the works are on hold, you know? The focus now is on the Clondalkin Local Area Plan instead.
Local TD Mark Ward is not really sure why this matters, but he’s disappointed that the Neilstown upgrade is on hold. He thinks the area deserves a better shopping centre. The council said they listened to shop owners and customers about maintenance issues at the centre, but they just don’t have the resources for the upgrade right now.
According to Ward, the locals were hoping for upgrades like new lights, a better car park, and just an overall nicer looking shopping centre. The council’s goal is to make places that are good for walking and biking, with cool hangout spots and a unique vibe.
Ward was happy to see work starting at the Bawnogue Shopping Centre, and people in North Clondalkin were hoping Neilstown would be next. But the council is focusing on the Clondalkin Local Area Plan first. Ward and Cllr Niamh Fennell are gonna try to get more resources for Neilstown so everyone can enjoy a better shopping centre.
The council basically said they had a meeting with some shop owners in February to talk about maintenance problems. They also discussed a bigger enhancement scheme, which people seemed to like. The council wants to do the upgrade, but they just don’t have enough staff for the public consultation and design process right now. They’re gonna work on the Clondalkin Village Enhancement scheme first before they get to Neilstown.
So like, the Neilstown shopping centre upgrade is on hold for now. The council doesn’t have enough staff to make it happen yet, but they’re hoping to get to it eventually. In the meantime, they’re focusing on other projects like the Clondalkin Local Area Plan. Hopefully, Neilstown will get its upgrade soon so everyone can enjoy a better shopping experience.
