COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOCIAL, COMMUNITY, EQUALITY AND INTEGRATION SPC
Wednesday, September 09, 2026
HEADED ITEM NO. 1
HEADED ITEM: Community
Minutes of the previous meeting held on the 13th May 2026
REPLY:
In attendance:
Cllr Emma Murphy (Chair); Cllr Alan Edge; Cllr Kay Keane; Cllr Baby Pereppadan; Cllr Niamh Whelan; Edel Clancy, A/Director of Community; Maria Nugent, A/SEO Community; Fionnuala Keane, AO Community Department; Aoife Troy, A/SCO Community Dept, Joe Lumumba, AO Community Dept; Thomas McDermott, Local Sports Coordinator; Catherine White, SSO, Community Department; Brian Carroll, SSO Community Dept; Kelly Fitzgerald, ASO Community Dept
Other attendees:
Conor Clifford (Chair, Comhairle na nÓg), Em Phelan (National Executive Comhairle na nÓg)
Apologies
Cllr Alan Hayes; Noel Gavin PPN; Daire Henessy, PPN.
Agenda Item No 1
Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday, 11th February 2026
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th February 2026, were circulated in advance of the meeting. They were proposed by Cllr E Murphy and seconded by Cllr A Edge and agreed.
Agenda Item No 2: Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
Agenda Item No 3: Presentation of the Comhairle na nÓg 2025 Annual Report
C Clifford and E Phelan delivered the report
The presentation provided an overview of Comhairle na nÓg and its role in representing the views of young people at a local level. The group outlined that their focus for 2025/26 was on mental health, with particular emphasis on the impact of social media and expectations on young people. Key work during the year included the delivery of a survey across schools and an awareness campaign, alongside the promotion of healthy social media use and available mental health supports.
The survey findings indicated mixed views on social media, highlighting negative impacts on sleep and concentration, as well as a low level of awareness of mental health resources. Additional activities included the organisation of a Mini Hobbies Fair to encourage young people to explore alternatives to social media, along with ongoing engagement with council and national decision-makers. At the Annual Youth Conference, key issues identified were drugs, cost of living, and mental health, with drugs selected as the priority topic for 2026. Ongoing work includes national advocacy on school stress and preparation for upcoming consultations and future events.
The Chair and Cllr Keane thanked the presenters, noted the good work they are doing and that the SPC look forward to hearing an update in due course.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item No 4: Equality Officer Work Programme Progress Report
B Shannon delivered the report.
The Equality Office presentation outlined its key functions, including the roles of Equality Officer, Access Officer and Disability Liaison Officer, operating within national equality and human rights legislation.
Progress was reported on the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, including the reconvening of the working group, delivery of staff training, and integration of equality measures into key council strategies and policies.
Significant work was undertaken in partnership with AsIAm as the Council work towards Service Provider Accreditation for County Hall, including a sensory audit of County Hall, development of visual guides and a sensory map (available at the Porters desk), and delivery of training to front-facing staff.
The establishment of a new Disability Advisory Board was highlighted, including recruitment of 13 members through an accessible process and the holding of its first meeting in May 2026. The Board will play a key role in advising on accessibility and inclusion.
Updates were provided on procurement, including the appointment of contractors for accessibility audits across council areas and the engagement of an Irish Sign Language provider. Initial audits will commence in Templeogue and Rathcoole.
The presentation also outlined a range of equality and inclusion events delivered and planned for 2026, including Anti-Racism Week, Pride Week, Accessibility Week and World Dyslexia Day, alongside ongoing initiatives such as the LGBT+ staff network.
Additional activity included ongoing casework across equality, access and disability supports, and plans for further staff training in disability awareness and plain English.
Members welcomed the establishment of the Board, noting strong progress, leadership, and good geographic representation as important. Cllr Edge requested that special consideration be given to ensuring the work of the committee is communicated broadly, emphasising the need for ongoing engagement with councillors and staff, particularly through SPCs and Area Committees where possible.
It was agreed that regular reporting and local engagement, including attendance at Area Committees where required, would strengthen the Board’s impact.
The Board’s involvement in upcoming accessibility audits was noted.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item No 5: Community & Leisure Facilities – Capital Programme and Governance update
J Lumumba presented.
The presentation outlined the Community Facilities Support Programme for 2026, covering key areas including capital projects, maintenance, grants, governance and the Community Employment (CE) scheme.
An update on capital projects was provided, highlighting ongoing developments such as Citywest Community Centre and Crèche, Kilcarbery Grange, Citywest Youth Space, Ballyroan, Jobstown Community Centre and the District Park Hub (Clonburris).
Works under the facilities maintenance programme were also noted, including upgrades at Manor Road, Killinarden Community Centre and Kiltalown House.
The presentation referenced support for leisure facilities, including Aura Leisure Campus, Lucan and South Dublin County leisure centres in Tallaght and Clondalkin.
Details were provided on grant supports, including the Community Infrastructure Fund and Management Support Fund, with processes for applications, assessment and council approval outlined.
Governance supports were highlighted, including management licences and governance training for community groups.
An overview of the CE Scheme was also provided, including participant involvement, expansion plans, geographic spread and upcoming activities.
The report was noted.
Agenda Item No 6: Autism Friendly Council
The Committee discussed the proposal from Councillor Timmons (at the March Council Meeting) regarding the development of an Autism Friendly Council.
It was noted that significant work is already underway through the Council’s partnership with AsIAm, which is providing specialist expertise and progressing autism-friendly initiatives, including audits and accessibility improvements being carried out by the Council. Members acknowledged that this approach avoids duplication and ensures best practice is followed.
Reference was also made to the forthcoming disability audit of the Council, which will include a focus on neurodiversity and broader accessibility considerations. It was agreed that this work represents an important step towards achieving autism-friendly objectives.
Members expressed the view that the Council is already progressing along a clear pathway towards becoming more inclusive, and that it may be premature to formally designate an “Autism Friendly Council” at this stage. Instead, it was suggested that progress be captured through a report outlining current actions, partnerships and ongoing initiatives, particularly in relation to autism and neurodiversity.
It was agreed by all the members that a future presentation, including input from AsIAm, would be beneficial to outline the pathway, progress to date, and next steps.
All the Members in attendance also welcomed the work already undertaken and agreed that the current approach provides a strong foundation for continued progress in this area.
The item was noted.
Agenda Item No 7: Elected members’ use of publicly funded and/or supported Community Centres
The Chair Cllr E Murphy opened the discussion of this item brought forward by Cllr De Courcy at the December 2025 Council Meeting and a commitment of the Director of Service to bring the matter to the Social, Community and Equality SPC.
The Committee emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of community centres, recognising that these facilities are intended for the benefit of the wider community.
It was agreed that decisions regarding the use of community centres should remain the responsibility of the individual Boards of Management, and that it is not the role of the Council or this SPC to intervene with these decisions.
Members considered that the SPC’s role is to respect the governance structures in place, and that any involvement in determining usage would fall outside its remit.
It was noted that there are sufficient alternative venues available for elected representatives to hold public or politically focused meetings without impacting on community centres.
It was further noted that community centre policies may vary, for example in relation to clinics or meetings, and that such arrangements should continue to be managed locally by each Board.
Overall, the Committee agreed that community centre usage decisions rest with Boards of Management, and that the Council should support the protection of their independence and the community-focused purpose of these facilities.
The item was noted.
Agenda Item No 8 - Emerging Talent Bursary 2026
T McDermott presented
The presentation outlined the Emerging Talent Bursary Scheme 2026, which aims to support individual athletes in achieving high-level competition through financial assistance for training, travel, accommodation, equipment and medical costs.
Eligibility criteria include athletes aged 14 and over, participating in recognised sports, with a strong connection to the South Dublin area. Team sports are excluded.
Applications are assessed by Active South Dublin in partnership with National Governing Bodies, with successful applicants expected to acknowledge council support and engage in community initiatives.
A total fund of €80,000 is available. There were 23 applications received, of which 19 were deemed valid, spanning 8 different sports and a balanced gender split. There were 8 repeat applications.
Members discussed queries regarding eligibility and funding criteria, including repeat applications and whether applicants who received funding previously can reapply. It was agreed that an upper age limit for applicants would be 21 years old.
In relation to eligibility criteria for repeat applicants, including whether those who received funding previously should be prioritised. It was agreed that new applicants should generally be prioritised, while still allowing repeat applicants to be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly where continued support is required.
It was suggested that applicants nearing the upper age limit or showing limited progress may be given lower priority compared to those demonstrating development.
Members also emphasised the importance of recipients fulfilling ambassador roles, including engagement with Council events and promotion of the scheme. It was noted that participants had engaged positively to date, with improved coordination expected going forward.
The issue of applicants turning professional during the funding period was also raised. It was agreed that athletes who turn professional would no longer be eligible under the scheme, as it is intended to support emerging talent.
Members acknowledged that progression to professional status reflects the success of the scheme and is a positive outcome, with support expressed for those transitioning to professional level.
Agenda Item No 9 – Any other business
The Director asked to speak on one item. Regarding the Age Friendly Strategy, the Director advised the SPC that either a special meeting may be convened, or the strategy would be circulated to the Committee in advance of being brought to the Council for noting in July.
**The meeting concluded as there was no other business**