COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

MOTION NO. 16

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That the Manager give an update on the progress made on the Fair-Trade Village status for Rathfarnham Village."

REPORT:

The Motion below in the name of Cllr Paddy Cosgrave was considered by the Rathfarnham Area Committee and referred to the Economic Development SPC :

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

"That the Manager supports the promotion of Rathfarnham as the first Fairtrade town status in the County and that South Dublin Council allocates Fairtrade Town responsibilities to a member of staff or committee possibly its environmental or Agenda 21 officer, working in partnership with the Rathfarnham Fairtrade steering group and that the Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings, in its offices and  canteens."

REPORT:

The Council would support the promotion of Fairtrade town status within the County, however, it is felt that the discussion with regard to the adoption of such a policy be referred to the Planning and Economic Development SPC for consideration.  

South Dublin County Council is particularly conscious of the need to develop and maintain best practice procurement in all areas of purchasing in accordance with codes published by the Department of Finance and issued through the National Public Procurement Policy Unit. Public procurement is defined as the acquisition, whether under formal contract or not, of works, supplies, and services by public bodies.

Best practice includes the need to recognise the legal status of every procurement decision, whether the procurement relates to priority or non priority goods and services, and also to ensure that all procurement functions are discharged honestly and fairly, upholding the highest standards of probity and integrity.  Similarly, EU Directives require that Treaty principles such as non - discrimination, freedom of movement, freedom to provide goods and services etc. must be observed.

This council is proud of its reputation in terms of its Corporate Social Responsibility and takes into account the social, ethical, and environmental effects of its activities on its staff, its local community and the community at large.   

Comment for SPC : 

While the promotion of Rathfarnham as a fairtrade town would in principle be welcomed it must be noted that at the heart of this concept is the role of community involvement. It would appear that the achievement of fairtrade status involves a series of steps which is rooted in the 'bottom up' approach, including bringing together local traders, community groups and other interested parties in a fairtrade group. While the promotion of the selling of fairtrade goods is the most public of activities arising from this proposal, this needs to be based on the foundation of a local fairtrade group that promotes and seeks to persuade both people and traders of the merits of pursing fairtrade status.

While a number of towns in Ireland have fairtrade status (approx. 38), Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, does appear to have put in place a clear and structured approach. In the interests of investigating the actual practical process involved in achieving fairtrade status. Accordingly,  it is suggested that this committee writes to Nenagh fairtrade group seeking guidance from their experience."

Following consideration of the above the members of the SPC agreed that contact be made with Nenagh Fair Trade. Following those contacts at the meeting of the Economic Development SPC (including Planning) on 14th September the following report was considered and discussed :

"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"

It was suggested that Ms A. Carroll, Business Sustainability Executive, South Dublin Chamber, and the Chamber would explore with SDCC the setting up of a Fair Trade town in the County.  Following discussion it was proposed by Councillor Tuffy and seconded by Councillor Brophy that Rathfarnham village be nominated for Fair Trade status and this was agreed.

Accordingly, Ms Carroll will make contact with local interests as outlined above in order to commence the process and the process will be supported by SDCC in any way possible.