COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, May 16, 2011

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor J. Hannon

"To ask the Manager to report on the operation of the Social Credits scheme in the Committee's area, and with specific reference to groups who have participated, type of credits awarded, and how best the scheme may be developed to ensure maximum participation and real outcomes?"

REPLY:

The Social Credits System rewards Community groups, Youth groups, Resident associations and Schools who improve their environment by cleaning up, planting and maintaining areas and encourages them to continue taking positive sustainable actions within their community. The programme aspires to motivate, assist and reward groups, who may not be involved in the enhancement of local area, to get involved and to take ownership of the County. This is a 12 month pilot programme.

Information on the Social Credit System has been circulated to all community groups in the County. Information and application forms are available online and hard copies are available in local Libraries and Community Centres. To date the Council has received 45 enquiries from Community Groups, Resident associations and schools. 9 applications have been received and 10 are being evaluated.

Of those queries, 15 were received from the Tallaght area. Three applications have been received and approved. The actions undertaken include arranging community clean-ups, removal of cable ties and the establishment of a community garden. The rewards consisted of  the removal of material collected during clean-ups and the provision of materials and advice.

The Social Credit System is promoted throughout the County by frontline staff, through Council and Community facilities and on the website and social media.