COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 12, 2024

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor J. Sinnott

In light of the establishment of the National ALL Office in 2023 this Council proposes the further promotion of the use of plain English in all practices to by arranging workshops for people with unmet literacy needs so they can participate in customer feedback processes with the Council.  

REPORT:

The Council is fully supportive of the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) 10 year, whole-of-government and society strategy, which is being implemented. As a Local Authority we are taking a proactive role in supporting literacy in the County, with our Library Service delivering an extensive literacy programme, facilitated classes, and strategic alignment with national programmes, which demonstrates our dedication to supporting literacy development.

SDCC recognises the significance of literacy as a foundation for our library service. With a dedicated Right-to-Read Coordinator and a Literacy Champion in place, we are committed to enhancing literacy skills of those with unmet needs. Our libraries offer separate sections for Adult Literacy and Quick Reads, alongside facilitated classes led by both staff and partners, such as DDLETB.

We are proud of initiatives like "The Reader" shared reading group and "Roddy Reads Rowlagh," which promote literacy engagement among adults. "Our Library, Our Future" aligns with the national "Skills for Life" programme, emphasising digital skills, health awareness, financial literacy, media literacy, business skills, and sustainable lifestyles.

Currently, our libraries provide extensive digital literacy resources, including computer classes, access to devices, and workshops on online safety. We also support health awareness through Healthy Ireland At Your Library and offer programmes on financial and media literacy, business skills, and sustainable living.

In addition, SDCC and our Libraries are committed to working other agencies to deliver the ALL Strategy, identifying opportunities for funding and the enhancement of literacy in the County. Literacy and enhanced literacy is an integral part of our Library service and that will continue to be the case, as we support literacy at every level of society.