COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF ENVIRONMENT SPC
Monday, February 06, 2012
HEADED ITEM NO.5
HEADED ITEM: G. Lee
5. Beautiful South Dublin County Competition Report.
REPLY:
Beautiful South Dublin County Competition SPC report
The sixth annual presentation ceremony of ‘Beautiful South Dublin County’ Competition took place in County Hall, Tallaght on Tuesday 15th November 2011 in the Council Chamber. The first Beautiful South Dublin County Competition took place in 2005 as a follow on from the former Tidy Districts competition.
The aim of the Beautiful South Dublin County Awards is to
- Acknowledge the great effort put in by communities in striving to improve their local areas.
- Encouraging participants to become more aware of and responsible for their local environment.
- Encouraging the development of more sustainable communities
Since the beginning of the competition entry numbers competition have dwindled from its peak in 2007 of 137 entries to 55 entries received in 2011.
| Year | Number of entries into all categories | Recognition |
| 2011 | 55 | certificates |
| 2010 | 57 | certificates |
| 2009 | No ceremony | No ceremony |
| 2008 | 120 | Money & certificates |
| 2007 | 137 | Money |
| 2006 | 136 | Money |
| 2005 | 115 | Commemorative plate & compost bins |
As a result of the reduction in entries to the competition, a review was carried out on how entries could be increased and the competition be made more relevant and attractive to a wider range of groups in the community. Following this review it is recommended that the Beautiful South Dublin County Competition be integrated into the Social Credits Scheme (SCS). There are a number of similar objectives in both the Beautiful South Dublin County Competition (BSDCC) and the Social Credits System (SCS). Both schemes aim to promote social capital & encourage sustainable behaviour throughout the County by
- Acknowledging or rewarding the great effort put in by communities in striving to improve their local areas.
- Encouraging participants to become more aware of and responsible for their local environment.
- Improving the physical nature of the environment
- Promoting environmentally friendly initiatives
- Encouraging the development of more sustainable communities
In addition over 34% (32 groups entered BSDC & 11 have applied for SCS) of all entrants for the BSDCC and the SCS are the same.
Therefore it is proposed to incorporate the Beautiful South Dublin County Awards into the Social Credits System. This new approach would also encourage local competition between established groups and new entrants. In addition it would reduce duplication, achieve efficiencies and further incentivise applications from community groups who are actively involved in the upkeep and maintenance of their locality.
Considerations for rewards for an annual competition are listed below:
- Prizes to include vouchers for DIY outlets for separate categories
- Certificate of achievement for winners
- Certificate of achievement for most improved applicants
- Photocall with Mayor, issue a press release and use the Council’s website and social media to publicise event and winners.
- Discuss the possible inclusion of awards ceremony in the Community Awards event.