COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOCIAL, COMMUNITY, EQUALITY AND INTEGRATION SPC
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
HEADED ITEM NO.1
HEADED ITEM: Community
Minutes of previous meeting.
REPLY:
Minutes of the Social, Community, Equality and Integration SPC held on the 14th of May 2025 @ 3pm
In Attendance: Cllr. E. Murphy (Chair), Cllr. N. Whelan, Cllr. A. Edge, Cllr. A. Hayes, Emily Smartt (PPN), Noel Gavin (South Dublin Chamber).
Officials Present: Elaine Leech (Director HSCD), Edel Clancy (SEO HSCD), Paul McAlerney (Senior Community Officer), Joe Lumumba (AO Community Development), Maria Nugent (AO Community Administration), Fionnuala Keane (AO HSCD), Elizabeth Dunne (SSO Sports Services),Mary Connell (AO HSCD), Mark Browne (SSO HSCD).
Apologies: Kay Keane
Guest Speaker : Mary Lyons, National Older Peoples Council
The Chair, Cllr. Murphy opened the meeting at 3pm.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of Social, Community, Equality, and Integration SPC Meeting held on 12th of February 2025
The minutes of the Social, Community, Equality, and Integration SPC Meeting held on 12th of February 2025 were proposed by Cllr. E. Murphy, seconded by Cllr. A. Edge and agreed.
Agenda Item 2: Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Agenda Item 3: Community Capital Projects Update
P McAlerney presented an update on community capital projects. This included information on community centres and youth facilities, Belgard All Weather Pitch and Lucan Swimming Pool. No questions were raised.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item 4 : Bealtaine Report including report from National Older Peoples Council Convention
Joe Lumumba provided an overview of the Bealtaine Festival, highlighting the wide range of events scheduled to take place throughout May 2025. Members were encouraged to share information about the festival with local groups and organisations to help promote community engagement. Further details on the programme of events are available on the Council’s website and through the Community Department.
Mary Lyons gave a presentation on the National Older People’s Council, outlining its role, membership, and the eight domains within which the Council operates. She described the Council’s ongoing work in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of older people at both local and national levels. The Committee was informed that the annual National Older People’s Council Convention took place at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, from the 8th to the 9th of May 2025. The theme of this year’s convention was “The Wisdom of Years – A Lifetime of Perspective.” The event featured high-profile guest speakers, as well as a variety of tours and workshops, and was very well received. It was acknowledged as a strong showcase event for the County and a valuable platform for celebrating the contributions of older people.
Committee members were asked to advocate for the inclusion of age-friendly initiatives in relevant projects. Cllr. Edge welcomed the proposal of a Community Car initiative and queried the challenges currently facing its implementation. It was noted that while the initiative has strong potential, it requires greater levels of support to proceed. The overall response to the Convention was positive, and the Committee recognised the value of the event in promoting age-friendly practices and celebrating older people within the community.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item 5: Emerging Talent Sports Bursary Update
L Dunne provided an update on the Sports Bursary, including a summary of the applications received to date. The update covered the total funding requested, the range of sports represented, and the number of Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) from which applications had been submitted. It was noted that no applications had yet been received from the Palmerstown/Fonthill LEA.
Cllr. Murphy remarked that the description of the sport within applications should be more prescriptive, referencing a specific application for sailing which requested grant of €60,000. Clarification was also sought regarding the classification of kickboxing and taekwondo as different sport types. E. Dunne confirmed that this would be reviewed and that she would revert to the Committee in this regard.
It was confirmed that six applications had been received from outside the Council’s administrative area. These applications would be disregarded unless a strong and demonstrable connection to the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) area could be established.
In response to a query from Cllr. Hayes, it was confirmed that the deadline for applications had not yet closed and that further applications would still be accepted. It is intended that the full list of applications will be brought forward for noting at the June Area Committee meetings.
Cllr. Murphy emphasised the importance of ensuring that the assessment process is firmly rooted in the eligibility criteria and that the bursary should support recipients in advancing within their chosen sport. It was confirmed that the team are working closely with the relevant sporting governing bodies to ensure that this is the case.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item 6: Community Recognition Fund update
E Clancy delivered the update. In the period 2023-2024, 19 projects were funded, with €2.7m funding awarded. Under the Community recognition fund 2024 – 2025, the Council were awarded €2.2m. Information was presented on the 5 approved applications under the first funding window. Note was made of the positive impact of projects such as the purchase of a community bus by JAAD. Cllr. Edge highlighted this as a crucial initiative, commending its benefits and stressing the need for increased funding in addiction services.
Under the second funding window, 18 applications were received, of which 7 have been approved. For the third and final window, 37 applications were submitted, and 6 projects have been recommended for approval and are currently under review by the Department.
Cllr. Murphy enquired whether the Community Recognition Fund grants would continue into 2025–2026 and sought clarification on the expected timeframe for new applications. It was noted that there is no information at the moment of another round of funding.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item 7: Community Events Summer 2025
K Keane delivered a presentation outlining the range of upcoming community events and the teams responsible for their delivery. The schedule includes events planned for Refugee Week, taking place from 16th to 22nd June, as well as Africa Day on 24th May. In addition, Outdoor Cinema Days are planned at various locations across the county. A summary of events held during the Bealtaine Festival was also provided.
The Community Development Team will continue to support Family Days throughout the year. The success of the 2024 Family Day in MacUiliam was noted and acknowledged by the Committee. An overview of upcoming Active South Dublin activities was also presented, highlighting continued efforts to promote inclusive and engaging community participation through physical activity. Cllr. Edge informed the Committee that tickets are available for the “10 Years of Marriage Equality Celebration”, scheduled to take place in Tallaght Library on Monday 19th May at 6pm.
Cllr. Murphy suggested that information could be shared with the Elected members via email. This feedback was noted.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item 8: Any Other Business
An allocation of 20 tickets is provided to the Council for Shamrock Rovers home games at Tallaght Stadium. E. Leech asked the Committee to consider whether this allocation could be made available to local community groups. The Committee received this positively. Cllr. Hayes also suggested that the ticket allocation be incorporated into the Social Credits Scheme. This proposal was noted and will be considered. N. Gavin raised the possibility of requesting a higher ticket allocation, noting that empty seats during matches can be disheartening for players. It was confirmed that Shamrock Rovers sets the current allocation, and while the Council cannot increase it, further discussion will be held with the club on the matter.
Cllr. Murphy acknowledged the significant contribution of E. Leech in her role as Director of Housing, Social and Community Directorate, and extended best wishes as she transitions to her new role as Director of Housing. E. Leech thanked the Committee for their ongoing support over the years and expressed that she would miss attending meetings. She reaffirmed the importance of the strong and continuing link between housing and community development. There was no further business, the meeting concluded at 16:30. The date for next meeting in September 2025 to be confirmed.