COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

MOTION NO.2

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That this Area Committee acknowledges the great achievements of Clondalkin as a Fairtrade town and the agreed motions and questions at this area meeting - 40727 , 41619 , 41950 , 46649 , 48187 , 51283 , 51291, 51299 , 52483 , 53279 , 54607 , 55235 , 68303 , 70530 and Previous Mayor Looney in 2014 and Mayor O Brien in 2021 Motions that this Council will seek to provide a range of Fairtrade products in its catering and shop facilities in Council buildings and amenities (2014) and this Council agrees to explore the expansion of the idea to create Ireland's first Fair Trade County (2021) - to ask what progress has been made and what supports can SDCC give to this Human Rights issue to the Clondalkin Fairtrade town group?

REPORT:

The feasibility of South Dublin being designated as a fairtrade County is currently being explored in conjunction with South Dublin Chamber, where direct industry engagement and associated insights will inform the Council’s position on this matter. Following the completion of this analysis, the Council members will be updated accordingly.

  

In relation to fairtrade products being provided for in Council owned facilities, the corporate procurement strategy contains specific objectives in relation to social clauses and green procurement, that align with fairtrade elements. This is in line with national policy and is a more holistic approach that enables a wider implementation of the core elements of fairtrade, without restricting the procurement of goods and services against a particular standard. It should be noted that reference to this as a Human Rights issue is not relevant to SDCC responsibilities under the Human Rights and Equality legislation.