COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 09, 2020

MOTION NO. 26

 

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan

That the Manager reports on how viable our Community Centres will be under new Covid-19 prevention measures.  What supports, if any, will be put in place to ensure their survival?

REPORT:

The Council is very aware of the impact of the closure of community centres in accordance with public health guidance due to COVID 19 on local communities and community centre boards of management. The Council is also aware of the important role community centres will have in rebuilding communities as the country progresses through the various stages of the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and the financial and other challenges to be faced in implementing social distancing and prevailing public health guidelines.

Community centres in the County, including those built by the Council, are each managed by independent local voluntary management companies that are independent legal companies established as Companies Limited by Guarantee. However, the Council does retain overall ownership and responsibility for the asset it has provided.

The community development team are researching and costing the key considerations for community centers to reopen and will be bringing forward proposals in this regard. It should be noted no additional funding to cover these costs has been made available to the Council.

Boards of Management have also been advised and encouraged to apply for any external funding supports that they may be eligible for such as funding released through Pobal Support Funds and the Covid 19 Stability Fund which as recently advertised by the Department of Rural and Community Development.