The plans for the development of the area at the 12th Lock on the Grand Canal were released at the February Council Meeting. The initial proposal include a mixed use/enterprise centre, hostel, restaurant, public park, artist studios, kayaking club, creche and yoga studios. It seeks to transform the area while retaining the current buildings. South Dublin County Council will be co-operating with Waterways Ireland in the development of the area. The next step for the project will be looking at budgeting and phasing before it goes to planning and public consultation.
People Before Profit TD for Dublin Midwest Gino Kenny said: “This is a very welcome plan for the area around the 12th lock. There is a huge amount of potential in the canal as a natural amenity, but at the moment it’s not really usable. The development here will bring the canal into use with water sports such as kayaking and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). It will be on the route of the extended Grand Canal Greenway to Hazelhatch allowing people to safely cycle and walk to the area.”
Cllr Madeleine Johansson added: “It’s great to see proposals that retain the current buildings and refurbish them for a mix of uses. This both keeps the architectural heritage while also being a more environmentally friendly alternative to demolition and construction. As someone who is interested in the arts it’s also great to see the addition of artist studios and possible other uses of buildings here for the arts.”
