Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has secured approximately €17.1 million for six regeneration schemes, marking a major development in Dublin news. The funding will support public spaces, community facilities, transport improvements and long-term planning across Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Dundrum, Sandyford and Shankill.
The investment comes through the first round of the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, which has replaced the former Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Projects are divided between longer-term Category 1A schemes and Category 1B initiatives intended to progress to construction sooner.
Where the regeneration funding will go
The six approved projects cover a wide range of local priorities, from safer cycling infrastructure to heritage-led development and improved community services.
- Blackrock Bath Place: A €150,000 allocation will support design work for a new public plaza, urban realm upgrades, a mobility hub and improved links between Blackrock DART station, Blackrock Park and Idrone Terrace.
- Metals Green, Dún Laoghaire: The €1.8 million project will create an accessible urban park with improved paths, an open lawn, play facilities and space for community events and a small kiosk.
- Dundrum Living Streets: Receiving €7.4 million, this scheme will make cycling and walking infrastructure more permanent while upgrading planting, street furniture, surfaces and safety measures near Holy Cross School.
- Sandyford Urban Framework Plan Review: A €150,000 grant will fund specialist studies and planning work covering racecourse lands and nearby publicly owned sites.
- Imaginosity refurbishment: The largest allocation, €7.5 million, will help acquire and refurbish the vacant building at Beacon South Quarter as a permanent community and library facility.
- Shanganagh Castle Development: A €150,000 grant will support an integrated urban strategy, conservation planning, archaeological assessments and an economic business plan for the protected site.
What the investment means for Dublin communities
The programme is designed to deliver practical benefits for residents, businesses and visitors. Improved public spaces can encourage local activity, while better walking and cycling routes support sustainable travel and safer journeys to school.
The Sandyford planning review is also significant for Dublin business and employment growth. By coordinating housing, transport, infrastructure, amenities and land use, the council aims to guide more sustainable development in one of the county’s most important urban districts.
Meanwhile, the proposed Imaginosity community and library facility could provide a valuable local resource in an area experiencing continued commercial and residential change. The Shanganagh Castle work will examine how heritage assets can be carefully reused while strengthening the surrounding community.
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Long-term regeneration plans
According to the council, the funding will help advance projects that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. Category 1B schemes are intended to be on site by September 2027, while Category 1A funding supports projects expected to progress during later years of the National Development Plan.
The initiative also reflects wider national priorities, including compact growth, accessible public infrastructure, climate-conscious transport and the revitalisation of town centres. Council Cathaoirleach Barry Saul described the projects as an opportunity to improve how people live, work and visit the county. Chief Executive Frank Curran highlighted the importance of cooperation between local and national government in moving ambitious regeneration proposals forward.
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Conclusion
This €17.1 million package represents a substantial commitment to the future of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. From Dundrum’s safer streets and Metals Green’s new park to Sandyford’s strategic planning and Shanganagh Castle’s heritage renewal, the projects could reshape key areas across the county. For residents, the clearest takeaway is that Dublin news is increasingly focused on practical investment that connects public spaces, community services, sustainable transport and economic development.
