COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
MOTION NO.10
MOTION: Councillor C. Brady
Cathaoirleach's Business
That this Committee calls on the Chief Executive to establish a storytelling and reminiscence hub within local libraries, where older residents could share their life stories and experiences, and students from local schools assist in recording and compiling these stories for posterity. The initiative could include making the stories available digitally, with QR codes in libraries and public spaces to allow residents to listen to or read the stories easily, fostering intergenerational connections and preserving local heritage.
REPORT:
SDCC libraries is committed to preserving our local heritage for future generations.
We recognise the value of engaging with older residents in the community and preserving their life stories so that younger generations can listen/read through their stories, We have several ongoing projects focussing on stories from the older generation. Time Capsule is one such project. The bespoke legacy project for South Dublin Libraries is a storytelling project developed by Peter Varga (Humans of Dublin) in partnership with North Clondalkin Library and the Heritage Officer of SDCC. It consists of professionally produces audio-interviews paired with signature environmental portraits that preserves a person's memory, voice and presence for future generations. An exhibition is planned for early 2026.
In addition, we also hold Schools Folklore Collection in our local studies collection. (Irish Folklore Commission 1937-1938) which contains folktales, proverbs, customs and beliefs to games and past times passed down from the older generation. . Schools from Rathfarnham, Lucan, Newcastle, Tallaght and the Clondalkin area are covered.
We will continue to engage in intergenerational projects going forward with a focus on preserving life stories and skills for future generations.