COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 26, 2016

MOTION NO.1

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Mayors Business

To compliment Management and staff on the working of the Social Credits Scheme and to ask the Chief Executive for an update on its  operation and that a discussion take place on how it might be expanded.

REPORT:

The Social Credits Scheme (SCS) rewards community groups and individuals who take ownership of their environment and improve their local area by carrying out pro-environmental actions such as community cleanups, maintenance of community gardens, graffiti removal and weeding of footpaths.

The scheme was first developed within South Dublin County Council in 2010, and from 2011 to 2012 was promoted nationally and supported by the Dublin Regional Authority as part of the Carbon Social Credit Scheme.

The scheme continues within South Dublin County Council and has proved very successful since.

Non monetery rewards offered to communities through the scheme are continuously reviewed and are further developed having regard to demonstrated need and available resources.

The following materials are available throughout the county, in the two Council offices and a number of community centres to successful applicants: litter pickers, bags, hi-vis vests, shovels and brushes. Groups who avail of the supports are requested to return the materials following their clean up so that other groups may avail of them.

Following the completion of a review of the Social Credits Scheme in early 2016, additional supports / materials have been introduced  eg paint, paint brushes / rollers.  Native/pollinator seeds, insect motels and bat/bird boxes were also introduced and the aim is to continue to identifying suitable additions to the programme within available resources.

In 2015 over 2350 applications were received and assistance provided through the Social Credit Scheme.

From January to July 2016  1,523 applications have been received and assistance provided through the scheme.

Applicants can apply using our online form which can found on our website www.socialcredits.ie or by contacting us directly at (01) 4149000