COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor A.M. Dermody

"That this Council report back on whether or not there are any festival activities or parades to celebrate the forthcoming St. Patrick’s day planned for the Rathfarnham area. 

Assuming a negative response to the above to ask the Manager if perhaps next year a St. Patrick’s day festival could be arranged for the Rathfarnham area and held, perhaps on the grounds of Rathfarnham Castle. To ask the Manager if within the County any similar festivals have been arranged and the result of same.  The report to include the likely cost of hosting such an event and as to the likely availability of funding for such an event."

REPORT:

There are no parades or festivals that the Community Department is aware of organised for the Rathfarnham area on St. Patrick's Day.  However, there may be some festivities privately organised.  Most of the G.A.A. clubs across the County usually mark the occasion with activities in and around their clubs, and it is expected that this year will be the same.

Lucan has hosted a parade to mark the occasion for many years now, and it has proved to be quite successful.  The Community Department staff assists with the organisation, but there is also a strong local input into the event, and this is very important. 

Last year, St. Patricks Day was officially marked for the first time in many years in Tallaght.  The event took place in Tallaght Stadium and featured local clubs, bands and dancers from South Dublin and culminated in a fireworks display.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations will take place once again this year in Tallaght Stadium.  Entry to the event is free of charge, but the event is ticket-only.  Tickets are available at two points of collection - at Tallaght Stadium and at the Community Services Department at County Hall.  Tickets are available at both places from 9.00.a.m. to 5.00p.m, Monday to Friday inclusive.       

The Community Department will look into the possibilities of holding some form of celebration of St. Patrick's Day in Rathfarnham in 2013.