COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 14, 2025

QUESTION NO. 37

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive is there an initiative that would help combat anti-social behaviour and to engage with teenagers in particular.

REPLY:

The following initiatives to help combat anti-social behaviour targeted at teenagers are currently in place and delivered across the County:

• Detached Street Worker Programme -  SDCC supports the work of Connect 4, a street based youth worker programme in Killinarden and Jobstown areas of West Tallaght. This project focuses on detached youth work, a distinctive form of outreach that specifically engages the most at-risk and marginalized young individuals, aged between 10 and 24 years. Unlike traditional youth work settings, the Connect 4 Project operates directly on the streets of West Tallaght, reaching out to vulnerable youth in their natural environments to provide essential support and assistance.  The potential to expand this model to other suitable areas within the County is currently being explored.

• Junior Safety Forum - The Junior Safety Forum is a youth-led initiative by South Dublin County Council, modelled on the Joint Policing Committee, that gives 6th class students a meaningful voice in creating safer, healthier communities. Meetings are held in the Council Chamber and attended by the Chief Executive, Directors, Senior Management of SDCC, and An Garda Síochána, giving the Forum official recognition and support.

• Youth Café - Think Big Space - The Interagency team along with An Garda Síochána and Foróige piloted a drop in youth café in the Foróige space in Tallaght. Due to the success of the pilot, UBU funding was secured to continue to deliver this service. The Interagency team is collaborating with Foróige to explore rolling this initiative out to other areas.

• Drop-In Café – Quarryvale Youth and Community Centre: The Drop-In Café provides a safe, inclusive space where teenagers can relax, socialise, and build connections.

• Weekly E-Sports Club – Knockmitten Youth and Community Centre: The weekly e-sports club offers a structured and social environment for young people interested in gaming.

The Interagency team, Community Development team, Healthy South Dublin, Active Cities, and Noise Music teams are working together to deliver a series of initiatives aimed at engaging teenagers over the summer months and reducing anti-social behaviour. These initiatives include:

• Noise Music Programmes: A range of creative workshops including songwriting, music production, DJing, and live performance will take place in Quarryvale, Balgaddy, Tallaght, Killinarden, and Brookfield. These sessions are designed to provide young people with an interest in music and performance a positive and expressive outlet.

• Social Football in Balgaddy: In partnership with St. Patrick’s Football Club, Active Cities will host weekly social football sessions every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Balgaddy, encouraging physical activity and community engagement.

• Sport on the Green – Balgaddy: A four-week multi-sport programme offering soccer, athletics, rugby, cricket, calisthenics, and volleyball will be delivered in Balgaddy, promoting active lifestyles and inclusive participation.

• Quarryvale Play Day – 12th July: In partnership with Healthy Ireland and Active South Dublin, the Quarryvale Youth and Community Centre will host a Play Day in Quarryvale Park, featuring:

• A range of sports stations
• Sensory play
• Activities led by Noise Music
• A lively and colourful Colour Run

• Summer Project Grants: The Community Development Team have awarded Summer Project funding to various community groups and organisations across the County to support the delivery of summer programmes. These include activities facilitated by Crosscare in Knockmitten, Bawnogue, and Clondalkin Village.

• Youth Programme Development: The Community Development Team has linked local Residents’ Associations with Crosscare to co-develop youth programmes for the school holiday period, enhancing community-led engagement.

Roaming Playworker Application: 

The Interagency team has submitted a funding application to the Community Safety Innovation Fund for a roaming playworker to support youth activities in Balgaddy and Quarryvale. Confirmation of grant approval is pending.