COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor W. Carey

That this Area Committee request that SDCC should engage an information programme in the areas surrounding St Cuthbert's Park to inform people of procedures and restrictions involving community clean ups and the disposal of large rubbish items and of green waste that are currently being illegally dumped at black spots throughout the area.

REPORT:

The Environmental Awareness Section engage with community groups, residents association and youth groups to support the initiation of pro-environmental actions such as community clean-ups and the painting of public green spaces through SDCC's community-focused Social Credits Scheme. The initiative encourages people to come together and the Environmental Awareness team provides practical assistance to community groups to empower groups to create cleaner, greener and safer communities. Community groups interested in the Social Credit’s Scheme apply for resources, including anti-litter signage, litter pickers, gloves, refuse sacks, biodegradable leaf bags and planting tools, by completing SDCCs Social Credit System Application Form. Details of the Social Credit Scheme are available on SDCCs website at www.sdcc.ie, and the Environmental Awareness team liaise with the community group to arrange the pickup of the collated materials from a suitable location. In 2025 SDCC funded over €62,000 to community groups via the Social Credit Scheme and for 2026 to date high numbers of community groups are participating in the scheme, increasing local pride and community ownership as lasting change only occurs when people get involved.

Public awareness and environmental education litter prevention initiatives such as “Zero Trace” and “Zero Waste” are resourced to promote the reduction of litter and involve schools and community groups in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action. SDCC also part-funds the litter-picking programme “Picker Pals” every year, providing a school-based programme of learning about litter, raising awareness about the impact of litter on the environment and inspiring waste reduction ideas in primary school children. SDCC's Environmental and Communities teams arranged a litter awareness event with students from St. Ronan’s Primary School, St. Cuthbert’s Road, in April 2026 and the Anti-Litter Wardens provided an information workshop. The Environmental Awareness team will arrange for the “Picker Pals” litter picking packs to be provided to schools adjacent to St. Cuthbert's Park students to create awareness and empower pride in their local environment.