COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 23rd, 2017

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That South Dublin County Council and all Elected Councillors commit to working to make South Dublin County Council the first Fairtrade County Council in the Republic of Ireland and we commit to actively Promoting and encouraging Fairtrade Products.

REPORT:

Fairtrade incorporates social and environmental elements which are already supported by the Council including through our Sustainable Business Programme in partnership with South Dublin Chamber.

Given the inherent principle of local business/community involvement, a Fairtrade campaign in the County that involves a range of measures including bringing local businesses, community groups and other interested parties together should be led by a local group who can develop an appropriate promotional and awareness campaign.  The Clondalkin Fairtrade group has been in contact with the Local Enterprise Office and an information session was arranged as part of Local Enterprise Week in March 2017.  However, it was clear at that stage that the local momentum and organisation was not yet there to advance the Clondalkin campaign. It is acknowledged that there have been delays in providing promotional material to the Clondalkin Fairtrade organisation which has not helped and these will be resolved imminently hopefully leading to renewed momentum.  Given the delays in progressing the campaign in Clondalkin it is therefore considered to be premature to extend the campaign to a Countywide level as yet but the Local Enterprise Office and the Sustainable Business Programme Manager in South Dublin Chamber will liaise with the Clondalkin Fairtrade group to support their ongoing promotional campaigns as appropriate.