The preservation of the 1,000-year-old Clondalkin round tower moved a step nearer yesterday after a meeting of South Dublin County Council.
Councillors from all political parties agreed a motion to remove a "specific objective" to develop the lands around the round tower from the south county development plan.
They also voted in favour of entering into immediate negotiations with the developer of proposed apartments and a bar-restaurant at the site with a view to a land swap.
County Manager Mr Joe Horan said there were contractual commitments but what officials had been asked to do by councillors was find out what the options were and investigate. It must also be considered in the light of the current development plan. The planning application was also a separate issue. They would come back to the council in September.
An agreement was reached in the late 1990s for the development of the site. A planning application is at present with the council from Mr Rory Burgess for the development.
Cllr Colm Tyndall (PD) said he firmly believed the developer had come in on this in good faith and was amenable to negotiations. He said that council management had shown a willingness to help.
The round tower was built over 1,000 years ago and the methods of building were obviously very different, he said.
"Evidence suggests that if the tower was built now, the foundations would be 15 to 25 feet but the old foundations could be as shallow as three feet. All that is keeping it up is the buttress sitting on the ground," Mr Tyndall said. He added that the council had land it could swap.
Cllr Therese Ridge (FG) said they wanted to protect the national monument for future generations.
She said the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, had indicated his support.
"Everybody wants to preserve the lands around the tower. The motion proposed would go a long way to deal with the needs of the developer. It would allow us as public representatives to redeem the lands around the tower for the future," Ms Ridge said.
The mayor, Mr Robert Dowds (Lab), said: "Round towers are unique and are only found in Ireland. We have to look after the property. The best way is for a sensitive heritage development."
Cllr Shane O'Connor (SF) said there would be public dismay if anything happened to the tower.
Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) said there was so much land being developed in the area he was sure there was some land the council could swap.
Cllr Fintan McCarthy (Green Party) said it would be shameful if residential development was allowed to endanger the tower.