COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 11, 2013

MOTION NO. 13

MOTION:  Councillor D. Looney

That this Council notes with regret the decision not to host a St Patrick's Day event in the county town this year; and that this Council calls on interested organisations and groups to come together with the support and backing of South Dublin County Council for events in Tallaght and elsewhere in the county for the 2014 celebrations.

REPORT:

In the last five years, over 34, 000 people have participated in the celebrations hosted across South Dublin County by the Council and our partners during Seachtain na Gaeilge Átha Cliath Theas. Events include classes, workshops, concerts, competitions and tours. In addition a number of online facilities and services were launched during our national festive season.

This year promises to be another astounding success. There are over 100 events being held across the County, involving people of all ages and levels of Irish. South Dublin Library Services are hosting events throughout the library network, with many children attending from local Gaelscoileanna and English speaking schools. Corporate Services are launching the 2nd Irish Language Scheme and our new updated website www.athcliaththeas.ie during SnaGáct 2013. As part of the nationwide St Patrick's Festival, a greening programme is being organised for County Hall, Tallaght, with a traditional Irish music lunchtime event open to the public in County Hall on Thursday 14th March 2013.

There are a significant number of events planned for all ages and we encourage all members of the community to participate over the period from the 3rd to the 17th March. These events have been advertised on the Council’s website and Social Media pages and there has been a high demand with many event filled to capacity already. See the link to the brochure for the entire programme of events SnaGáct 2013.

While there will not be an event to mark St. Patrick's Day in Tallaght Stadium this year, it is envisaged that the Council in collaboration with the appropriate community organisations, clubs and commercial concerns will develop a model that will allow the national Patron Saint's day to be again commemorated in Tallaght.