COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2026

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor P. Holohan

To ask the Chief Executive what the process is for community groups to access SDCC resources (for example, equipment and supports) to run litter-picking and local clean-up days in their estates?

REPLY:

The Environmental Awareness Section facilitates and incentivises the efforts of community groups, residents’ associations, and youth organisations engaged in environmentally responsible activities, such as community clean-ups, paint enhancements, and small-scale landscaping projects. These initiatives are supported through SDCC's community-oriented Social Credits Scheme. The programme fosters collaboration and delivers practical support to empower groups to contribute to cleaner, greener, and safer communities.

Community groups interested in the Social Credit’s Scheme apply for resources by completing SDCCs Social Credit System Application Form, available at www.sdcc.ie, and liaising with the Environmental Awareness team at envawareness@sdublincoco.ie The Social Credit System Application is processed in collaboration with the relevant Departments in SDCC and information on existing SDCC services and facilities is provided to each community group.

The paint enhancement component of the Social Credits Scheme is accessible via the application form for local clean-up days. Community groups are encouraged to submit an image of the site identified for maintenance and improvement. As part of the community litter picking element of the scheme, resources including heavy-duty refuse sacks, litter pickers, durable gloves, biodegradable leaf bags, anti-litter signage, high-visibility vests, and gardening tools will be provided by the council. Tools, paints, and litter-picking materials may be collected from either the Tallaght or Clondalkin Civic Offices. After the community clean-up event has been scheduled and the Environmental Awareness Section notified, arrangements will be made for the removal of bagged waste materials by the team.

Public awareness and environmental education initiatives like “Zero Trace” and “Zero Waste” aim to reduce litter and involve schools and communities in anti-litter and anti-graffiti efforts. SDCC helps fund the annual “Picker Pals” programme, which educates primary students on the impact of litter and encourages waste reduction. The Environmental Awareness team will keep providing “Picker Pals” packs for students to use at home with their families, promoting responsibility and pride in their local environment.

In collaboration with An Taisce, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) commenced Spring Clean Month by organizing a litter collection event in Lucan Village on 1 April 2026. The initiative engaged local representatives, residents, and community organizations, including Lucan Tidy Towns, Sarsfield Park Residents Association, Beech Park Residents Association, Lucan Beaver and Cubs Scout Group, Lucan Kayak Club, Lucan Spring Cleaners, and Adamstown Tidy Towns. SDCC facilitated the removal of waste electrical and electronic equipment through Recycle IT, Clondalkin. Additionally, FoodCloud supported the event by providing refreshments to participating community groups as part of its efforts to redistribute surplus food and prevent food waste. Since the launch at the beginning of April 2026, more than 100 community groups within South Dublin County have registered and received complimentary clean-up kits for Spring Clean Month.

In 2025, SDCC allocated more than €62,000 in funding to community groups through the Social Credit Scheme. For 2026 to date, there has been a significant increase in participation from local community groups, which has fostered greater civic pride and a sense of ownership. Genuine and lasting change is achieved when individuals actively engage in their communities.