SDCC Unveils Landmark Masterplan for Lucan House and Demesne

14/07/2025

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SDCC Unveils Landmark Masterplan for Lucan House and Demesne

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is delighted to publish the Lucan House and Demesne Masterplan, setting out an ambitious vision to transform this historic estate into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable destination for the people of Lucan, South Dublin, and beyond.

Located within a critical green corridor in the Liffey Valley, Lucan House and its surrounding demesne represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a treasured landscape. Following extensive public consultation, the masterplan outlines a holistic approach that weaves together environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, community vitality, and climate resilience.

Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr. Pamela Kearns, comment on the plan:

“Lucan House is not only a remarkable historic estate; it is a canvas for our community’s future. This masterplan ensures it will become a cherished public place—where heritage is celebrated, nature is protected, and people of all ages and abilities can gather, explore, and enjoy.”

A transformative vision

The masterplan proposes a phased programme of works, initially costed at approximately €20 million, that will deliver:

Enhanced green infrastructure through biodiversity corridors, pollinator-friendly planting, and riparian edge protection.
Improved connectivity, linking Lucan House to St. Catherine’s Park, Lucan Demesne, and the wider green network with new walking and cycling trails.
Architectural conservation and adaptive reuse, breathing new life into historic structures like the bath house, boat house, and stables for cultural, recreational, and enterprise uses.
New community and cultural facilities, including an outdoor amphitheatre, performance areas, playgrounds, picnic spaces, and interpretive trails telling the story of Lucan.
Climate-adaptive design, from permeable pathways and shaded areas to resilient landscaping.
Building on the amenity value of Parco Italia and celebrating the rich historical and cultural significance of Lucan House.
Public amenities, such as accessible toilets, changing facilities, and a locally focused café, enabling all visitors to enjoy the estate in comfort.

Colm Ward, Chief Executive of SDCC, highlighted the significance of the plan:

“This project is a flagship for sustainable, community-led regeneration. It responds directly to what we heard during extensive consultations: people want open access, heritage experiences, vibrant cultural programming, and a beautiful natural setting. Lucan House will become an anchor for local pride and a magnet for regional tourism.”

Shaped by the community

The masterplan reflects feedback from hundreds of survey responses, workshops, and public meetings. Local voices shaped priorities such as restoring heritage features, ensuring universal accessibility, creating quiet spaces for reflection, and integrating everyday amenities that serve both residents and visitors.

A sustainable future

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. It will be delivered through a staged investment model, allowing early openings of key areas and ensuring that income generated from heritage, hospitality, and cultural uses will be reinvested in the long-term care and enhancement of the site.

As planning moves forward, SDCC will continue to engage with the community, keeping local values and aspirations at the heart of every stage.

ENDS/

For more information, contact communications@sdublincoco.ie

Images

Bridge
Rear Lawn
Stables Exterior
stables Interior