COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

MOTION NO. 20

MOTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

"That this Committee, further to my previous motions, requests the Manager to provide a detailed report on efforts to secure appropriate permanent indoor space for Griffeen Community Development Group, Esker Amateur Boxing Club and Lucan South Scouts."

REPORT:

In the absence of capital funding to provide new facilities, there now exists a demand which is difficult to meet within the current community facility portfilio and it is expected that this need will grow.

 In general, there are two types of community group needs - the first is general space which does not require facilities for storage etc and the second is where clubs have lots of equipment or have unique needs. In the case of the former, in the short term, it may be possible to secure some additional activity space through greater access to local school sports halls and increased usage of the current stock. This option will be developed by the community field team.

The provision of new community facilities to address the needs of Boxing clubs, Scouts etc is a greater challenge. The capital funding of single interest organisations is no longer feasible. Any new building would have to be multi-functional to facilitate the needs of several groups. The construction of such a centre could cost €2million plus. Currently, such funding is unavailable from central government and the Council is unable to finance such a project at this point in time.

The Community Dept continues to assist and support community groups through the community grants scheme and the provision of a dedicated team of community workers. Financial assistance has been provided to the Esker Boxing Club towards the cost of new equipment and the Griffeen Group is supported by a dedicated community worker on a weekly basis. The accomodation needs of the Lucan South Scouts has been collated and efforts will continue to identify solutions which will improve their housing need.

The community team have commenced a Lucan Area Community Development Initiative 2013 that will examine the options open to the Council to try and meet these needs. The Community Team will:

Engage with more residents and liaise with service providers.

Identify community needs & issues.

Establish and develop contacts within our New Communities and residents who are new to the Lucan area.

Compile and present a report on these findings

Develop an appropriate action plan.

In order to progress this initiative, two staff members have been assigned to work on this project