COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPC

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

HEADED ITEM NO. 4

Report on Fair Trade Town Status

Arising from the last SPC meeting the Nenagh Fairtrade organisation was contacted for any advice they might have regarding the pursuance of fair-trade status for Rathfarnham village.

In response Nenagh Fairtrade organisation offered the following practical advice:

• The need for a local steering group to promote fair-trade in the locality.
• Local retailers and café owners need to be approached at an early stage to ascertain their interest in selling or using fair-trade produce.
• A survey to be carried to identify what, if any, fairtrade produce is being currently sold in the area.
• If possible a ‘flagship’ outlet should be identified to act as a focal point for the initiative.
• Local media both traditional and electronic to be used to promote the imitative.

In general Nenagh Fairtrade organisation considered that the fairtrade website offered further practical advice and support which was useful for getting the initiative off the ground.

Arising from this advice it is suggested that the following approach may be taken by the SPC;

• Local interests investigate the setting up of a fairtrade steering group which would include- local retailers, local residents, local interest groups and local public representatives