Reply - H3(c) (i) Report of Sport and Recreation SPC 11th February

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 09, 2009

HEADED ITEM NO. 3 c (i)

SPORT & RECREATION STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE

(i) Report of Meeting, 11th February 2009

Attendance

Members	Officials
Cllr C. King, Chair	Pat Smith , Director of Services
Cllr C. Jones	Willie Sheils, Senior Executive Officer
Cllr C. Brophy	Hugh Pierce , Administrative Officer
Cllr J. Neville	Alison Silke , Sports and Recreation Officer
Cllr D. Keating	Thomas McDermott Sports Partnership
Cllr P. Cosgrave
Cecil Johnston
James Coughlan

An Cathaoirleach Councillor Cathal King Presided

1. Minutes of previous meeting held on 5th November 2008 were noted and approved.

2. Matters arising.

3. H-1 (2) Community Facilities Report.

P. Smith presented above report and advised of progress and current position with regard to the various projects.

He advised that the current economic climate ( including availability of development levies ) would affect the speed at which progress will be made in advancing the various projects.

Following discussion to which Cllrs. King, Keating, Jones and C. Johnston and W. Sheils contributed the position regarding Jobstown and Ballyowen Community Facilities was noted.

The issue regarding maximizing use of all available facilities over each day was noted as was the need to ensure adequate and appropriate signage to ensure that all citizens are aware of the location of the facilities.

It was pointed out that the Council will be working with all interested parties ( Road Authorities, Tourism organizations etc ) to ensure adequate signage is put in place.

The use of both Council and Centre / Facility websites was cited as another appropriate mechanism by which to advertise the centres and their activities.

4. H-1(3) Sports Audit Update .

Position regarding Community facilities and Sports facilities Audit was noted following an update from P. Smith and A. Silke..

Following a discussion to which Cllrs King, Keating ,Jones and C. Johnston and W. Sheils contributed A. Silke , Sports Officer outlined the reasons why the Audit took place , detailed the methodology used to compile the information ,explained the ongoing nature of the process and advised that the completed audit will be used as a basis for further analysis of the facilities with regard to peak usage times, categories of persons availing of the facilities etc.

In response to general queries concerning licence / lease issues W. Sheils advised that a comprehensive review of this issue is currently underway in the Council.

It was noted that the Audit will also be circulated to all members of Council and will most likely be used by Central Government to inform itself regarding future Sports Capital programmes.

5. H-1(4) 2009 Year of Creativity and Innovation.

W. Sheils introduced this item and spoke with regard to the need for the Council to maximize all its resources both financial, infrastructural and human in order to ensure that we can attempt to target and service particular cohorts that for whatever reason are currently not accessing sport and recreational opportunities.

Following discussion to which all members contributed it was noted that one welcome aspect of the current economic downturn is the increasing number of persons coming forward to volunteer in all aspects of community life including sport and recreation.

W Sheils spoke of the need to harness this energy and commitment and to this end will arrange to meet with all local centre managers , staff and community partners to see how this renewed focus can assist in advancing our goals of increased participation by all ( especially girls and older people ) in sport and recreational pursuits.

6. H-1(6) Sports Partnership Update.

T. McDermott gave a presentation on the policies, operations, strategy and vision of the Local Sports Partnership and brought the members through the new Sports Partnership website which was officially launched on 28/1/09.

Following the presentation T Mc Dermott and W Sheils responded to questions from the Committee and again referred to the need to target our limited resources at those members of the community not currently participating.

7 A O B

A Silke, Sports Officer invited the committee members to the launch of the latest Sli na Slainte walking route in Tymon Park on 12/2/09.

Meeting concluded at 7pm.

Economic Development (incl Planning & Development) Strategic Policy Committee