A major investment programme is set to reshape public spaces, transport links and community facilities across south Dublin. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has secured approximately €17.1 million for six regeneration projects under the first round of the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.
The funding will support improvements in Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Dundrum, Sandyford and Shankill. Together, the projects aim to strengthen local communities, improve accessibility and encourage more sustainable patterns of travel and development.
Dublin news: Six projects receive regeneration funding
The successful schemes combine public realm upgrades, strategic planning, active travel infrastructure and the renewal of community facilities. The allocations are divided between Category 1A projects, which are longer-term initiatives, and Category 1B projects intended to progress more quickly.
- Blackrock Bath Place: €150,000 will support design work for a proposed public plaza, mobility hub and improved links around Blackrock DART station, the bus terminus, car parks, Blackrock Park and Idrone Terrace.
- Metals Green, Dún Laoghaire: €1.8 million will help create an accessible urban park with new paths, an open lawn, play facilities and space for a small food or coffee kiosk.
- Dundrum Living Streets: €7.4 million will fund permanent cycling and pedestrian improvements on Dundrum Main Street and safer-route upgrades near Holy Cross School.
- Sandyford Urban Framework Plan Review: €150,000 will support a wider masterplan covering land use, housing, transport, employment and public amenities.
- Imaginosity Refurbishment: €7.5 million is earmarked to acquire and transform the vacant building at Beacon South Quarter into a permanent community and library facility.
- Shanganagh Castle Development: €150,000 will fund an integrated urban strategy, conservation work, technical studies and business planning for the protected structure.
What the investment means for local communities
The largest allocations are directed towards Dundrum Living Streets and the proposed Imaginosity community facility. These projects are expected to deliver practical benefits, including safer walking and cycling routes, improved accessibility and new spaces for learning, recreation and community activity.
In Sandyford, the framework review is intended to guide coordinated growth in one of the county’s most important employment districts. It will examine racecourse lands and adjoining public property while considering future infrastructure, housing and public services.
The Shanganagh Castle project takes a heritage-led approach, combining conservation with research into viable future uses. Meanwhile, the Metals Green works will turn an important open space into a more welcoming and inclusive destination.
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A new phase of urban regeneration
The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund replaces the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Category 1B projects are designed to reach construction readiness sooner, with a target of being on site by September 2027, while Category 1A schemes will advance through planning, design and technical preparation.
Council representatives welcomed the funding, describing it as an opportunity to improve towns, villages and neighbourhoods across the county. The programme also reflects wider priorities around sustainable transport, inclusive design, climate resilience and stronger community infrastructure.
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The takeaway
This €17.1 million package represents a significant step in the county’s long-term regeneration plans. From safer streets and renewed parks to new community facilities and heritage planning, the projects are designed to make Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown more accessible, connected and sustainable for residents, workers and visitors.
