Clondalkin Round Tower has closed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’
A local councillor has expressed concern for 15 members of staff at Clondalkin Round Tower following its sudden closure two weeks before Christmas.
Yesterday, South Dublin County Council announced that the Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre will be closed until further notice due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
“We regret to inform you that Brú Chrónáin – Round Tower Visitor Centre is closed until further notice,” a statement said.
“This is due to unforeseen circumstances and any further updates will be provided when available. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for any inconvenience.”
According to Sinn Féin councillor William Carey, the statement was received with “huge shock” and “the future of 15 members of staff who work there remains uncertain at this time”.
“My first concern is for the 15 members of staff and their jobs. This is particularly worrying as this happens two weeks before Christmas,” Mr Carey said.
“There is the wider effect this will have on the tourism around the centre. Brú Chrónáin has established a regular tourist trade and a break in continuity will jeopardise that business.
“I am calling on SDCC to put in place a temporary management team to run the centre until a permanent solution can be resolved.
“The Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre is probably the single most important piece of Heritage we have in South Dublin.
“To have it closed like this is totally unacceptable. Whilst it is important the restaurant and visitor centre is run on a proper basis, the facility cannot be subject to closure for commercial reasons.
“South Dublin County Council has a greater responsibility to the whole community to ensure that a facility such as the Heritage centre must remain open at all times.”
Cllr Carey explained there was no prior notice of any concerns around the future of the visitor centre.
“We have a local area committee meeting on December 18 and I will be seeking to have this matter discussed as an emergency item,” he said.
“This is extremely disappointing to see this happening as Christmas approaches. I will also be writing to the CEO of SDCC to ask what the immediate response will be to resolve this situation.”
The Irish Independent has contacted South Dublin County Council for further comment.
