COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
MOTION NO. 12
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
"That a report is issues to this committee for discussion into what is the proposed format for talking and engaging with community centres and disadvantaged communities in relation to teenagers needs? I am aware of survey what else will be happening? Also mental health and addiction issues are considered as part of this research."
REPORT:
A consultation process with teenagers commenced in 2017. This is being led by the Dept of Environment Water and Climate Change and the Community Department is also involved in the research.
The research is defined as a study of the facilities for teenagers in South Dublin County and examines both active and passive recreational requirements. Background research is on-going over the period to assess current level of provision for this group. Consultation is also on-going with regard to the facilities for teenagers with particular focus on:
- facility providers
- relevant interest groups
- teenagers
Contact was made with clubs and recreational providers to assess current level of provision. A focus group with teenagers from the Ballycragh, Firhouse area was carried out early in 2017. The Community Development Team also engaged with Comhairle na Nog in the consultation process.
The SDCC Communication Unit commenced a social media consultation process on Teen Spaces. Content was targeted at the relevant demographic and this multi-media campaign will close on January 19th 2018. 457 submissions have been received to date and a detailed report will issue following analysis of same.
Paid advertisements are targeted within the SDCC region and aimed at 13-19 year olds. It is also intended to utilise the public participatory budgetary process and the proposed implementation of the ball wall in the Lucan area in 2018 to engage with teenagers on this new type of facility provision in our parks.
Once the surveys are completed they will be examined (with the addition of focus group discussion if required), findings reported on and these findings will also inform what next steps maybe required, which may include engagement of existing Community and Youth Services, Local Sports Partnership, Local Drugs Task Force, Mental Health Support Agencies, etc. The final results will also inform the provision of facilities into the future and a report will be made to the Committees in that regard.
The capital budget 2018-2020 has included an allocation for teenage facilities to commence in 2019. The consultation process as outlined above is intended to feed into decisions about the type of facilities that will be provided and also give information where current need is greatest. The provision of outdoor recreational facilities specifically for teenagers will serve to promote physical and mental health.