COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

MOTION NO. 13

MOTION: Councillor Carly Bailey

The announcement in December of funding of €20,000 to be provided to each local authority for the provision of sensory rooms (and associated equipment, toys and assistive technology) for children with additional needs is to be welcomed. That this committee asks the Chief Executive to confirm that libraries within our electoral areas are included if appropriate and to request an outline of any plan on this project.

 

REPORT:

"Details of the announcement of funding of €20,000 per Local Authority was received in libraries in January 2020. We submitted an application for funding to support sensory facilities and equipment in our branch libraries in February 2020.  On 3rd March the Department of Rural and Community Development announced the approval of  sensory funding for libraries nationally.

 You will see that we in SDCC are to get €22,045 (75% of the application submitted). This will help us to:

1. Offer an expanded Toys Technology Training programme – of informative talks and  workshops
2. Produce a Toys and Assistive technology catalogue-in partnership with HSE therapists 
3. Develop a mobile Snoezelen/ Multi-Sensory Environment - which can be used throughout the branch network

The Snozelen will consist of:

• 2 Dark Den sensory Tents (To offer a quiet space within the regular library environment)
• Sensory-friendly equipment
• Portable multi-sensory Trolley
• Portable Tovertafel table  (Offering Playful, interactive light projections that entice children, adults, and older people to get moving and have fun together.)

This initiative will allow all branch libraries throughout the County to assist patrons with sensory processing disorder and autism engage their touch, smell, sight, taste, hearing, movement and balance, enhancing the brain's development while helping the person relax, remain calm and overcome fears in a warm library environment".