COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

MOTION NO.1

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave, Councillor Y. Collins, Councillor D. McManus, Councillor J. Sinnott

That this ACM asks the Chief Executive to support a public street festival for Rathfarnham Village to take place late Summer or early Autumn 2026 subject to successful completion of roadworks by Uisce Éireann & SDCC, to include temporary closure of a section of Main Street to vehicle traffic on a Sunday afternoon to support community groups and local traders?

REPORT:

The Community Development Team would be happy to provide guidance to the organisers/committee of the proposed Street Festival for Rathfarnham Village.

However, it should be noted that funding for Community Events/Festivals is limited. Any application submitted should demonstrate strong support from the local community and relevant stakeholders.

Key requirements for consideration include:

• Your group must have strong support from the local community and relevant agencies
• Approval from all necessary statutory authorities and agencies in advance of the event, including where applicable An Garda Síochána, SDCC Traffic/Roads and Public Realm Departments and any required road closure permissions
• Written permission for the use of any venue or public space not under the ownership of the organisers
• Evidence of local fundraising and financial contributions, as Council funding would generally not exceed 50% of the total event cost
• Appropriate public liability insurance indemnifying South Dublin County Council for a minimum of €6.5 million
• Sufficient lead-in time to allow for the processing of applications and approvals

Also to note in order to be eligible for community grants:

• Groups must be located with SDCC
• Groups must be formally be established and registered with the South Dublin County PPN
• Grants are not available to individuals or profit making organisations
• Groups must have a bank account in the group’s name
• Provide a tax reference number to the Community Team
• Application must be submitted online including full details of the purpose of the grant required and a full break down of costs associated with delivering the event
• Receipts and supporting documentation must be submitted following the event.

Current supports available for Community Events/Festivals are generally up to a maximum of €5,000/€10,000 respectively. These grants are on a first come first served basis and were fully exhausted early summer 2025.

It should also be noted that road closures do not fall within the remit of the Community Department and would need to be progressed separately with the relevant Council sections and statutory agencies.