COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2016

QUESTION NO.6

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Chief Executive to confirm that the planned feasibility study of teenage facilities to be undertaken in 2017 will include an examination of the scope for the expansion of youth cafes and facilities for youth work services throughout our County?

REPLY:

Public Realm’s Capital Programme for 2017 includes a provision for a feasibility study on the proposal to provide Teen spaces such as MUGAs and/or other related facilities throughout the county. The proposal arose from concerns about the lack of opportunities for teenagers in SDCC’s parks and open spaces; particularly since the inception of the Play Space programme. It is anticipated that a report on this study will include a review of existing facilities, an assessment of the most appropriate facilities to provide and include a consultation exercise with stakeholders; including teenagers and providers of existing facilities.

In addition the Council's Community Development team continue to work with local organisations, DDLETB through Foreoige and Crosscare and the management of community facilities throughout the County to increase the quality of the facilities on offer to the local community.  This includes the provision of cafe style facilities in community buildings where appropriate.   Some examples of this in recent years of such facilities include Ballyroan Community Centre, St. Dominics, Killinarden Community Centre, Griffeen, The Big Picture, Tallaght Luas Stop and Rathcoole which include informal cafe style areas. 

Pobal administers Youth Capital Funding on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. To date this funding relates to the provision of capital funding for Youth Cafés. All community centres are notified when calls for funding are announced.   This funding stream is not open at present.

In addition to the community facilities available, there are also all weather facilities such as all weather pitches, Skatepark and MUGAs available.