THRIVE - the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme - was launched by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Kieran O'Donnell TD on February 8. The scheme is run under Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes and is providing €120 million to support local authorities and their citizens to re-imagine town centres and to transform publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings within those town centres through renovation, renewal, and adaptive reuse. THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
THRIVE incorporates the core values of the New European Bauhaus - sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The scheme promotes a citizen-centred community-led approach to planning, design and project selection under the Town Centre First Framework. THRIVE is targeted at larger urban settlements - cities, regional growth centres and key towns - and is focused on publicly owned heritage buildings. Heritage buildings under the scheme are classified as structures that form part of the architectural heritage and have unique architectural, historical, archaeological or artistic qualities, or are linked to the cultural and economic history of a place.
THRIVE launched two calls for applications in February 2024.
Strand 1 applications relate to:
- integrated urban strategies and project pipeline development, including for the development and enhancement of integrated urban strategies,
- identification of projects that promote the conservation and adaptive reuse of our built heritage stock while reducing vacancy and dereliction in town centres,
- prioritisation, development and specification of project proposals to create a pipeline of investment-ready built heritage refurbishments, renovation and adaptive reuse projects.
Strand 2 applications relate to:
- Renovation and adaptive reuse of vacant or derelict heritage buildings.
- Delivery of selected pilot and pathfinder projects that will have a positive and transformative impact on town centre vacancy and dereliction and that will inform the approach for other towns at earlier stages in the process.
In April 2024, South Dublin County Council submitted an application for funding under Strand 1 for the development of a Masterplan for Lucan House and Demesne. This application was approved in May 2024 with €200,000 funding awarded to progress and develop a Masterplan.
SDCC is delighted to publish the Lucan House & Demesne Masterplan, an ambitious and future-focused initiative that will transform the historic Lucan House estate into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable public amenity for the local community and the wider region.
The masterplan sets out a holistic vision for the estate, guided by extensive community consultation. Hundreds of local residents, community groups, and stakeholders contributed their insights and aspirations, ensuring the project truly reflects the values and needs of Lucan and beyond.
This carefully considered masterplan integrates:
- Heritage conservation, through the restoration and adaptive reuse of protected structures such as Lucan House, the bathhouse, boat house, and stables, ensuring these important historical assets are preserved and reimagined for public use.
- Climate resilience and biodiversity, embedding nature-based solutions, pollinator-friendly planting, and sustainable drainage systems to create a healthy, future-proofed landscape.
- Expanded green infrastructure, with new walking and cycling routes that will connect Lucan House seamlessly to St. Catherine’s Park, Lucan Demesne, and the broader network of parks and trails across the Liffey Valley.
- New cultural and community spaces, including outdoor performance areas, an amphitheatre, spaces for art, music, and local events, fostering a lively and inclusive public realm.
- Accessible amenities, designed for people of all ages and abilities, with level pathways, seating areas, accessible toilets, picnic spaces, and thoughtful wayfinding, ensuring everyone can enjoy the estate with ease and comfort.
This project represents a significant investment in local heritage and quality of life, positioning Lucan House and its demesne as a landmark destination within South Dublin County and the wider region. It is envisioned as a space where heritage meets innovation, and where people can gather, connect with nature, and celebrate community and culture in a truly unique setting.
The masterplan is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable, community-centred development.
South Dublin County Council will deliver the masterplan through a phased approach, allowing for progressive opening of amenities and facilities. Revenues generated by future cultural, hospitality, and enterprise uses will be reinvested into the ongoing management and enhancement of the site, ensuring long-term stewardship and public benefit.
Together, we are shaping a new chapter for Lucan House one that honours its rich past while creating a welcoming, resilient, and vibrant place for generations to come.
