COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

That the Manager present a report on the highly successful Ramble Aid series of events in Corkagh Park and other parks.  What provision is being made in terms of manpower and resources to ensure that this type of event runs again and becomes a regular feature in our parks. 

REPORT:

Ramble Aid is a series of 3 no. 5km events in the 3 regional Parks (Corkagh, Tymon & Griffeen) that people can run, walk, cycle or wheelchair. To make entry to the events as all inclusive as possible the entry fee is only €5.

The primary aim of the events is to get the whole community participating in healthy recreation.

The secondary aims are;

-          to raise funding for local charitable causes

-          to raise the profile of the South Dublin Co. Sports Partnership

-          to bring more people into the parks and help them discover what SDCC has to offer

-          to develop a unique, stand alone event that features on the public's calendar

-          if possible to generate funds to help SDCSP fund other community programmes

In 2012, 580 people participated in the events and with the money raised  3 defibrillators were bought and donated to local clubs and facilities - Brothers Pearse Athletics Club in Firhouse, Dublin Lions Basketball Club in Clondalkin & Lucan Leisure Centre.

In 2013, 695 people registered and the funds raised are to be distributed amongst 3 youth mental health organisations – Jigsaw, Teenline & Beacon of Light

Partners:

SDCC – Environmental Services (Parks), Sports Office, Public Leisure Centre (Lucan)

HSE

The Echo

Dublin City FM

Volunteer Centre

Credit Unions – Clondalkin, Black Raven, Tallaght, Templeogue

Scouts, local schools

 Positives from the event:

  1. It has helped to get people active and we have been able to assist local causes
  2. It has raised the profile of the Sports Partnership and the parks in South Dublin County
  3. Feedback received from participants has been very positive towards SDCC and its facilities

Over the last 2 years there has been a considerable level of goodwill generated for Ramble Aid. Subject to the continued availability of both human and financial resources and the continuation of public enthusiasm and support for the event, Ramble Aid will continue to feature  in the Council's calendar.