COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 21, 2015
QUESTION NO.30
QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons
To ask that SDCC outline what efforts are being made to combat Racism in SDCC and what initiative have been undertaken? Also to ask could SDCC produce ''SDCC says no to Racism'' Stickers to promote and encourage a more equal county.
REPLY:
The Social Inclusion Unit has had a particular focus in this area for the last number of years and have organised and delivered the following in the County:
Annual "European Week against Racism" each year in March which includes initiatives such as:
- Sports Blitz for Primary and Secondary Schools in partnership with the Sports Office.
- Themed Competitions for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and the general public. Everybody is invited to convey their own personal message against racism.
- Intercultural Traditional Dance Festival: The Social Inclusion Unit in partnership with the Georgian Society and Clondalkin Intercultural Centre organised an Intercultural Traditional Dance Festival.
- Anti Racism / Diversity / Interculturalism Workshops for Staff in the Council.
- Financial support for intercultural events / programmes organised by migrant communities.
Annual "Social Inclusion Week" each year in November:
It is a week long programme of events to highlight the diversity and creativity in the county. It also promotes community interaction, active citizenship and encourages communities to work for and with one another.
Intercultural Centres Clondalkin and Tallaght:
The Social Inclusion Unit continues to be the conduit for funding from the Department of Justice and Equality for the running of the two intercultural centres.
South Dublin Migrant Integration Forum:
This provides a forum for members of the new communities to collaborate, network and be a common voice for communities towards achieving social inclusion, integration and participation in the decision making process. The forum is facilitated by the Social Inclusion Unit.
Global Garden, Corkagh Park, Clondalkin:
The Global Garden project engages Irish and Migrant communities in South Dublin County in a development education programme which raises awareness of the impact of climate change on global food production. The project also has developed a community garden in Corkagh Park, Clondalkin.
An Inclusive County: South Dublin County Integration Strategy
The strategy seeks to enable all communities to fully participate in society by promoting an inclusive and dynamic environment in South Dublin County where residents are valued, regardless of their nationality, religion or ethnic background.
Promoting Civic Participation of Third County Nationals through Local Authority Platforms (2010 - 2013).
The aims of the project were to promote the active engagement and participation of new communities in Irish social, political and cultural life, thus reducing social exclusion.