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. 6

QUESTION: Councillor P. Holohan

To ask the Chief Executive what supports and resources are available from SDCC to help community groups plant flowers in their area, and how groups can apply to access them?

REPLY:

Community groups, residents’ associations and youth groups who have identified an area for minor planting and enhancement will receive assistance and resources under the Social Credits - Minor Community Landscaping Scheme. By completing the SDCC Social Credit System Application Form, available at www.sdcc.ie, and liaising with the Environmental Awareness team at envawareness@sdublincoco.ie community groups can avail of assistance from a qualified horticulturist. The horticulturist will conduct a site visit with the group, offering expert guidance regarding appropriate bulb, plant, and tree species to improve the area and promote both biodiversity and pollinators.

Resources such as gardening tools—including spades, shovels, hand trowels, bulb planters, secateurs, heavy-duty gloves, rakes, and biodegradable leaf bags—are provided through the Social Credit Scheme. During the autumn, community groups receive spring-flowering pollinator plants as part of the ‘Bulbs Not Bonfires’ Social Credits campaign. Owing to increased demand in 2025, over €5,500 was allocated for pollinator bulbs to benefit local community organisations. While the ‘Bulbs Not Bonfires’ initiative is active, SDCC offers complimentary access passes to the Ballymount Civic Amenity site for groups participating in local clean-ups. The Council acknowledges the significant dedication and contributions of community groups in fostering cleaner, greener, and safer communities. In 2025, SDCC allocated more than €62,000 to community groups via the Social Credit Scheme to promote local pride and encourage community stewardship.

Alongside the Social Credit Scheme, the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Grant—funded by SDCC in collaboration with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment—supports community organisations in addressing littering and graffiti through targeted projects and the development of areas to promote biodiversity. SDCC actively engages with community groups, and on 22nd April 2026, the Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Section conducted a ‘Sustainability, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Event’ at Tallaght Library for all SDCC Tidy Town Community Groups. Expert speakers provided these groups with comprehensive guidance and information aimed at enhancing biodiversity, including recommendations for insect- and wildlife-friendly planting. Sustainable and circular economy practices were discussed, and volunteers received instruction on creating planters from repurposed waste pallets. SDCC remains committed to this community-led approach, fostering pride of place and preserving our shared spaces for current and future generations.