SDCC Chief Executive Report - October 2023 by SouthDublinCountyCouncil

October 2023

Chief Executive’s Report

Tag Rugby Family Day at Clondalkin Rugby Club

About the Chief Executive’s Report South Dublin County Council’s Chief Executive’s Report is presented to elected members at Council every month and details important achievements across our various departments whilst highlighting key statistics and images from events that took place that month. The report also highlights major news pieces and puts a focus on an area of the Council that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

Contents 04

Land Use, Planning and Transportation

Environment, Water and Climate Change

Features 14 Culture Night in the Culture Quarter

Culture Night took place on September 22nd, featured two special events which aimed to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the arts.

Housing Social and Community Development

16 SDCC Win 2 Irish Planning Awards

South Dublin County Council Planning Department were present to accept 2 awards at the Irish Planning Institute’s Irish Planning Awards 2023.

18 Corkagh Park Regeneration Project

Works have commenced on the regeneration project for Corkagh Park

20 Council Focus - Red line Festival

Red Line Book Festival 2023 which runs from October 16th - 22nd was launched in Aras Chronain.

Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development

22 Images of the Month

Corporate Performance and Change Management

Finance Report

Land Use, Planni

Transporta

Delivering Safe Streets at our Schools Commuting to and from schools across the county is still heavily car dependent despite most of the journeys being within a radius of 2km from school. This creates congestion on our roads and outside our schools which puts the safety of school pupils, staff and members of the public at risk, and consequently discourages pupils from walking, cycling and scooting to school. The idea behind a Safe School Street is that the street outside a school will be designed to encourage people to walk and cycle instead of driving. The objectives are: 1. Improve Road Safety conditions outside a school by reducing traffic congestion to make it a safer environment for children 2. Improve the local environment by reducing dependence on cars, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions and

improvement in local air quality.

year and we plan to be finished works by the end of the year.

3. Promoting better health as traffic free environments encourage more people to walk and cycle, thus improving our physical health and general wellbeing. We have been working with the NTA and with several schools across the County to identify those schools that would benefit most from improvements to the streets around schools that would encourage people to walk and cycle. As part of this work we have surveyed schools, engaged with the local community and with Councillors. This work helped us to identify St. Brigid’s and St Lorcan National Schools in Palmerstown, and Coláiste Chillain in Clondalkin and we will now be delivering new school streets around these schools. Works at both school locations are set to start in October this

St Lorcan National School Palmerstown

Open House South Dublin The Council has worked successfully with the Irish Architecture Foundation to bring Open House Dublin to South Dublin. There is now an expanded programme of events for its flagship annual festival, Open House Dublin, which is taking place across nine days this year, with the dates announced as 7th-15th October. For the first time, South Dublin County Council are sponsoring Open House Dublin in 2023 and are now part of this amazing Architectural Festival. More information on the Open House events across Dublin and South Dublin are available on the Open House website, including the Tallaght walking tour with the County Architect, a tour of Rathcoole Courthouse which is an example of one of the architectural conservation and adaptive reuse projects completed by SDCC for community use.

ing and

There are also Junior Open House events that will take place 7-8th October – a family Workshop on the 7th October in the ‘Think Big Space’ venue and an Architreck will be available for an architect led walking Tour of Tallaght on the 8th October.

ation

31 Traffic Calming Projects to Begin The traffic team have been working to prepare a programme of works that seek to improve the quality of our streets and to calm traffic so as to create a safer environment for all road users. As part of this the team have met with Councillors and have carried out a public consultation. The team have now identified 31 projects across the whole County. These jobs will be delivered using s38 powers of the Roads Act, including a mix of; junction tightening, pedestrian crossings, chicanes, traffic calming islands and improved crossings and ramps. The works will start on site in the coming weeks with a plan to deliver all 31 jobs by the end of the year.

Bawnogue District Centre As part of the Councils agreed District Centre Enhancement Programme, we have developed a design for the next district centre location at Bawnogue. The aim of the scheme is to design an environment that will promote and sustain a rich and vibrant district centre where residents can access easily via walking, cycling or by using public transport. The scheme will include public realm enhancements that are of a high standard, promote connectivity and feel safe and pleasant. There have been several meetings with the public to date and the formal Part 8 consultation will begin in October 2023.

Rathcoole Courthouse which will be part of Open House Dublin 2023

Housing, Social a

Community Develo BoxUp Comes to South Dublin County Council South Dublin Local Sports Partnership and the Community Department have recently introduced BoxUp to Dodder Valley and Beechfield Park. This is a new and innovative free equipment sharing solution focused on getting those who are least active in our society, active. The initiative aims to expand the opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier lifestyles through increased access to free sport and leisure equipment. The lockers, which are solar powered, contain a variety of equipment based on the facilities and amenities in that area, and all equipment can be easily accessed through the use of a free app. How it works:

1. Download the app (Box up) and create an account 2. Select the activity and the locker opens 3. Enjoy activity for up to 3 hours 4. Return material to the locker

data on the usage of the equipment in South Dublin which will inform future initiatives across the County.

The Swiss-based company ‘BoxUp’ already has 60 lockers in operation across Switzerland and France, with many other European countries expected to come online in the coming months. Representatives from Ireland visited Geneva to see the lockers in operation across a number of parks as part of their feasibility study. With over 15,000 users and over 50,000 hours activity recorded across all locations, these lockers will provide access to equipment but also provide invaluable

Park Community Centre, Ballycragh

Cost Rental & Interest Rate increase The income eligibility limits for Cost Rental Tenants have been amended with effect from the 1st of August 2023. The new household income limits are €66,000 for the four Dublin Local Authorities. The new income limits apply to the first letting of new homes and to filling any vacancies with replacement tenants. It is intended that the new income limits will be index linked to an appropriate economic metric and adjusted on an annual basis. The variable interest rate on Local Authority loans increased from 3.8% to 4% from 1st October 2023. All mortgage holders have been advised of the 0.2% increase. In addition, the interest rates for all new loans drawn down under the Local Authority Home Loan increased from 1pm on 28th September 2023.

and

The new interest rates are as follows: - For mortgages up to 25 years the fixed interest rate to be applied will be increased from 3.35% to 4% - For mortgages over 25 and up to 30 years the fixed interest rate to be applied will be increased from 3.45% to 4.05%

opment

Integration Research: Access and Barriers to Integration The Community Department recently engaged Connect the Dots to carry out a research piece on needs analysis with International Protection Applicants (IPAs) living within South Dublin County Council. The research involved surveys, in-depth key stakeholder interviews and 5 focus groups which covered the experience IPA’s have had with access and barriers to community integration. Key barriers identified were: Transport, transfer of skills & qualifications, language, single parentship, mental health and housing/space. The results offer a comprehensive view of the asylum seeker and refugee journey in South Dublin , the report will issue shortly and will be used to help direct the work of the new Integration team which will be established in the Council.

Management Support Fund The Community Services Department will launch the Community Centre Management Support Fund in October. Multi-purpose Centre’s will be invited to submit online applications to apply for funding supports to assist with annual centre running costs. The Management Support Fund comprises of 3 specific funding strands, allowing centres to apply for funding tailored to their key areas of annual expenditure: Strand 1: Support towards ongoing Running Costs Strand 2: Support towards Employment and Training Costs Strand 3: Support towards the costs of organising Community Events Amended eligibility limits for cost rental such as Kilcarbery Grange

Economic, Enterpr

Tourism Develo Culture Night ‘23

Culture enthusiasts were treated to unique and immersive sensory spaces for the first time at Culture Night 2023 in the Cultural Quarter, Tallaght. Culture Night ‘23 featured two special events, The Soft Space and Vanishing Point, which aimed to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the arts.

Speaking at the event, he said “South Dublin County Council has committed to providing our community with inclusive cultural experiences, and seeks to develop a better understanding of the needs of audiences that have historically been left excluded from large cultural events.”

Commissioned by South Dublin County Arts Office, and produced and curated by Sofft Productions and NOISE Music, this year’s programme placed a focus on neurodiverse and culturally diverse communities, with uniquely designed elements to help facilitate a sensory experience.

The Civic Theatre played host to the legendary Kila, who delivered workshops throughout the day and played a barnstorming live set in the evening. Rua Red’s exhibition - the powerful Love Story by artist Candice Breitz - evoked the global refugee crisis.

South Dublin County’s Mayor Alan Edge was present to open this year’s Culture Night programme in the Cultural Quarter, Tallaght.

In addition, Tallaght Library offered a full programme of family friendly entertainment including classical music, comedy, magic, visual arts

and more. Culture Night ‘23 provided the community with an incredible array of cultural experiences and was incredibly well received.

Weekend opening of Palmerstown Library

LEO Mentor Meeting & BBQ The Local Enterprise Office South Dublin have successfully completed their recent tender to secure a panel of business experts for their Mentor Panel. An introduction meeting was held in Aras Chronain, Clondalkin, with the new and existing mentors and included a presentation of all supports and services provided by the LEO. This meeting was then followed by a BBQ at which approximately 40 clients attended. This was a great networking event which gave clients an opportunity to meet like-minded business owners and also to meet with our mentors and discuss their business plans.

prise and

London Speciality Food Fair ‘23 5 South Dublin Food companies were among 18 companies that attended the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023 in order to assist their business in making the first steps into the export market. The Dublin regional trip, which was organised by Dublin Food Chain allowed businesses to meet industry experts and hold discussions with companies already exporting to learn about their challenges and routes to market. A fantastic event; all of South Dublin LEO clients came away with huge learning, which will benefit their future growth and development.

opment Palmerstown Library Stay tuned for news on weekend opening at Palmerstown Library! Since piloting weekend opening in summer 2022, we have been planning for the launch of longterm Friday and Saturday opening hours. Situated right in the heart of a busy shopping centre, Palmerstown Library is in a perfect spot for shoppers to pop in to, when picking up their weekend shopping. We are currently finalising arrangements and completing staff training before announcing an opening date in October. LEO Mentoring BBQ held in Aras Chronain

Corporate Performa

Change Manag October is European Cyber Security Month As we usher in the month of October, we are reminded that it is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decorations. It is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a crucial period for us to reflect on the digital landscape we navigate daily and reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our data and assets.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind during Cybersecurity Awareness Month:

Councils’ IT Department will be hosting a number of online events for staff, covering cybersecurity.

Phishing Awareness: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages and links. Phishing attacks remain a common entry point for cybercriminals.

In an age where technology shapes the way we work, communicate, and live, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cyber threats continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and targeted. Hence, it is vital that we remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our digital ecosystem.

Data Privacy: Respect and protect the privacy of sensitive data.

If you should come across any unusual activity or suspect a security breach, it should be immediately reported to the relevant body. Early detection can help prevent a major incident.

Training and Awareness: Take advantage of any cybersecurity training and resources available.

Risks: When introducing a new system, please consider any security risks before implementing.

Throughout October, South Dublin County

New Traineeship in collaboration with the Education Training Board

Make Way Day 2023 - “Hey, this blocks my way!” Make Way Day is a national public awareness campaign, which took place this year on Friday, 22 September and aims to make the public aware of the issues disabled people face in their local communities, including: - Cars and bikes parked on pavements and illegal use of accessible parking spaces. - Wheelie bins and sandwich boards blocking pavements. - Posters or overhanging branches causing dangerous obstacles. Illegal, thoughtless, and irresponsible road and pavement use impacts negatively on all people in our community but particularly on wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, blind and visually impaired people and those with children in pushchairs or prams.

ance and

gement

Throughout the day a variety of actions took place at local level across Ireland including in South Dublin. Disabled persons and their allies shared images and short videos of the barriers they encountered, across social media using the official hashtags #MakeWayDay23 and #MakeWayDay.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October is Breast Cancer awareness month and throughout the month, South Dublin County Council will be shining a light on the importance of Womens Health. SDCC will conduct an online promotional campaign to promote education and awareness on the importance of good breast health amongst women of all ages and Councillors, Staff and members of the public are encouraged to don the pink ribbon to show your support. There will also be a webinar for Council staff with the Marie Keating Foundation on the 11th of October, which will be focusing solely on Breast Cancer.

General Operative Traineeship South Dublin County Council in collaboration with the Educational Training Board are delighted to announce its first General Operative Training Programme. This initiative will offer 18–23 year olds a real pathway to a career and is designed to provide training and hands on experience in various operational roles. Once successfully completed, participants will be offered a six-month temporary contract of employment. This is one of a number of initiatives supporting and promoting the Council as an Employer of Choice. Mayor of South Dublin and Professor Patrick Costigan for #MakeWayDay

Environment, W

Climate Cha Sod is Turned for Tymon Park Intergenerational Centre The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Alan Edge turned the sod for the new Intergenerational Centre at Tymon Park, Wellington Lane.

This multi-use facility will contain a coffee shop and meeting rooms that will suit small-to-medium sized groups that require a flexible space for community-type use.

The Mayor was joined by the Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, Colm Ward and the Director of Services, Teresa Walsh for the ceremony.

Oliver J. Hearty and Sons Ltd. will be carrying out the construction works on the Intergenerational Centre and the Mayor wished all involved in the project every success during the construction stage and looked forward to the facility opening and its benefit to the local community.

Political representatives from the local area were also in attendance as well as representatives from the design team, (Cotter Naessens Architects), officials from SDCC and members of the local community. The proposed Intergenerational Centre with its café is designed to make the best of its parkland setting with a south facing terrace overlooking the lake. It will in turn enhance users experience and enjoyment of the park with its complementary facilities.

Notices have been erected in the park to notify park users of the works and SDCC ask people to please take notice of any directions posted, to assist with continued safe use of the park. Please note the project will impact on Wellington entrance car park with a reduction in car parking capacity and constrained access for the duration of the works. SDCC apologises in advance for any inconvenience and

request our patrons to please bear with us during these construction works. For further information please contact communications@sdublincoco.ie

Draft Climate Action Plan which is open for Consultation

Join us and Have Your Say on Climate Change The Draft South Dublin County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 is currently on public consultation. With this Draft CAP the Council aims to build on delivering the previous Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) 2019-2024, which established a strong foundation of climate action in South Dublin and enables informed, ambitious actions to be developed for this plan.

Water

ange

Join us at a series of public information events which will be advertised through SDCC social media channels: • The Edge Café, Avonmore Road, Tallaght on 4th Oct 5pm – 9pm • Lucan Presbyterian Church, Lucan Village on 11th Oct 3pm – 7pm • Clondalkin Civic Offices on 12th Oct 3pm – 7pm Observations or submissions can be made between Wednesday 20th Sept and Friday 3rd Nov inclusive, through the following two options: •A written submission, made electronically through the Council’s Online Public Consultation Portal: http://consult. sdublincoco.ie OR •In writing, addressed to the Senior Engineer, Climate Action, Environment, Water and Climate Change Department, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Helping Communities at Halloween: Bulbs not Bonfires Bulbs not Bonfires is back for 2023. Every year we encourage residents of the county to look after their environment at Halloween by providing communities with bulbs to plant for lovely spring flowers instead of a scarred open space as the result of a bonfire. Community groups, environmental groups, resident associations, and schools can apply. We have 350 bags of mixed pollinator bulbs. To receive bulbs, groups are asked to fill out our application form and attach a photo to let us know where the bulbs are planted. The application form can be found on www. sdcc.ie and applications will be accepted from Tuesday 3rd October. Please send your application to envawareness@sdublincoco. ie

Autumn Leaves Removal The Council, together with our nominated road sweeping contractor Oxigen, will be providing a leaf collection service from now until January 2024. The service includes a road sweep on request from residents and the collection of bagged leaves. Leaves can be placed in compostable bags and left outside driveways or gates on the public path. Residents can request removal of leaves by contacting info@sdublincoco. ie or by phone, 014149000 and the team will notify Oxigen to arrange removal of leaves as soon as possible; potentially on the same day! Residents Associations and Community Groups can also request compostable bags from the Environmental Awareness Section. Road Sweeper Glenview , Tallaght

Culture Night

in the Cultural Quarter

Arts Office, and produced and curated by Sofft Productions and NOISE Music, this year’s programme placed a focus on neurodiverse and culturally diverse communities, with uniquely designed elements to help facilitate a sensory experience. The Soft Space was designed to be a decompression space with uniquely designed elements to help facilitate a

Culture Night events opened by Mayor Alan Edge South Dublin County’s Mayor Alan Edge was present to open this year’s Culture Night programme in the Cultural Quarter, Tallaght. Speaking at the event, he said “South Dublin County Council has committed to providing our community with inclusive cultural experiences, and seeks to develop a better understanding of the needs of audiences that have historically been left excluded from large cultural events.”

sensory experience. Located in The Secret Garden between Rua Red and Tallaght Library and in Rua Red’s Project Space The Soft Space offered complete immersion in a serene

space for relaxation where attendees could visit and escape the festival atmosphere. Created by Sofft Productions to promote inclusivity through innovation, the result was an experience that was suitable for all audiences including neuro divergent children and families. In a first for these sensory spaces, Sofft Productions and NOISE Music teamed up with the cutting-edge virtual reality experience ‘DEEP VR’, a meditative VR game controlled by breathing. Through stable, slow, and deep deliberate breathing players explore the mesmerizing and hypnotic world of DEEP. The experience was designed to bring people from their existing emotional state to one of relaxed calmness and has been clinically validated to regulate anxiety. Meanwhile in The Civic Theatre, Vanishing Point combined ambient sounds, soothing lighting and

Digital Radio, the space featured a lineup of talented DJs delivering curated sets across the night. The Civic Theatre also played host to the legendary Kila, who delivered workshops throughout the day and played a barnstorming live set in the evening. Rua Red’s exhibition - the powerful Love Story by renowned artist Candice Breitz - evoked the global refugee crisis. In addition, Tallaght Library offered a full programme of family friendly entertainment including everything from classical music to comedy, magic, visual arts and more. Culture Night ‘23 provided the community with an incredible array of cultural experiences, through innovative and inclusive programming that been incredibly well received.

comfortable seating, with the aim of promoting restful rejuvenation and mindful introspection. Designed by lighting designer Conor Jacob of Sofft Productions, and curated by NOISE Music and Dublin

Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Alan Edge officially opening Culture Night in the Cultural Quarter, Tallaght.

Irish Planning Awards 2023

SDCC Scoop Two Awards!

The South Dublin County Council Planning Team scooped two awards and were highly commended under 3 separate categories at the Irish Planning Institute’s Irish Planning Awards 2023 The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) has announced the winners of its 2023 Planning Awards at the Institute’s first awards gala dinner since the Covid-19 pandemic. There were 24 entries recognised at the awards, including South Dublin winning in the Workplace of the Year and Research and Innovation

categories. The IPI awards acknowledge a diverse range of projects and plans nationally taking place at a local, county and regional level in complex and dynamic environments. This year’s Awards recognised innovation and excellence in Irish planning in eight categories.

Irish Planning Awards 2023 South Dublin County Council Planning Team won under two categories: • Workplace of the year and • Research and innovation (for instantaneous data) And were highly commended under the three categories of: • Plan making (for the development plan) • Urban regeneration (for Tallaght public realm) • Climate action and biodiversity (for green space factor)

Speaking at the awards, IPI President Mary Mac Mahon said: “The Irish Planning Institute’s Irish Planning Awards serve as a testament to the invaluable role of planning in our society. They celebrate our diverse,

dynamic, and sustainable projects, showcasing the positive impact of planning on our communities. As President, it’s been my privilege to elevate the profile of planning and to honour the achievements, diversity, and potential within our sector. With entries spanning the island, our winners from Dublin to Donegal exemplify excellence. I extend my gratitude to all entrants, congratulate the winners, and acknowledge our sponsors for making these awards possible.” The South Dublin County Council Projects which won were: Workplace of the Year South Dublin County Council – #Making it Work @ SDCC_Planning Research and Innovation South Dublin County Council – ‘Instantaneous Data’ – A South Dublin Approach to Active Land Management South Dublin County Council also received commendations for the

following projects: Plan Making Highly Commended – South Dublin County Council – South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028 Urban Regeneration and Heritage Commended – South Dublin County Council – The Street – Kick starting the Tallaght Innovation Quarter Climate Action and Biodiversity Commended – South Dublin County Council – South Dublin’s Green Space Factor This year’s judging panel comprised Mary Mac Mahon MIPI (Irish Planning Institute President), Charlotte Sheridan MIPI (RIAI President), Henk van der Kamp FIPI (Secretary General of the ECTP-CEU, the umbrella organisation for spatial planning institutes in Europe and past president of the IPI), Terry Prendergast MIPI (former board member of An Bord Pleanála) and John O’Hara MIPI (former Dublin City Council Planning Officer).

Mayor of South Dublin Councillor Alan Edge, Director of Service Mick Mulhern with the SDCC Planning Team at the IPI Awards

Regeneration work has commenced

at Corkagh Park

On Tuesday 12 September 2023, the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Alan Edge officially turned the sod to mark the commencement of works on the Corkagh Park Regeneration Project. The Mayor was joined by Mr. Colm Ward, Chief Executive, Ms. Teresa Walsh, Director of Services, Staff of South Dublin County Council and

guests to celebrate this event. Speaking at the event Mayor Cllr. Alan Edge said: “The works include the creation of a new ‘hub zone’ with a Café building, public toilets, a multi-use events space with a stage, plaza area, seating and new planting. As part of this project the existing

Corkagh Park - Car park upgrades

The enhancement works at Corkagh Park will also include resurfacing and planting works in the existing St. John’s Road and Green Isle Road carparks. These upgrades will also include pedestrian and cycling link upgrades.

carparks at St. John’s Road and the Green Isle Road will be improved; to include resurfacing and upgraded pedestrian and cycling links. The Fairy Woodland Trail will be

enhanced to include new play features, seating and a footpath to the lakes. New wayfinding and signage will also be provided throughout the park.”

exciting elements along the way. The location of the Hub Zone stems from what would have been the original centre of the park.

It is envisaged that the Hub Zone will be a new centre for the park. It will act as an important destination for local and regional visitors. It will serve as a focal point at which all areas within the park meet and interconnect.

Once the site of Corkagh House, there is also evidence that a Castle Structure from Medieval times was once sited in this vicinity. Care has been taken to ensure that due respect is paid to the strong cultural and heritage links as a result.

Through careful consideration of all approaches, links and complimentary elements this will create a social cohesion within the park. Through enhanced signage and wayfinding, visitors will be directed to this space as a centre and encouraged to explore outwards from there. The Hub Zone will provide a café, multi-use events space and toilet facilities for visitors amongst a backdrop of mature trees and existing buildings. A regional park can benefit greatly from having a critical mass in the centre. It is this centre that people can aim for while discovering other

This project is funded by South Dublin County Council’s 3-year capital budget. The Public Realm Section in South Dublin along with Building Design Partnership Limited have carried out the planning and design work on this project to date. Construction work on site is being carried out by McAvoy Contracts Ltd. For further information contact the Communications Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on communications@ sdublincoco.ie

Councillor Alan Edge, Mayor of South Dublin turns the sod as work commences at Corkagh Park

The Red Line Book Festival returns this October with a celebration of all things literary! An exciting new programme has been announced for the Festival from October 16th – 22nd with over 40 events in venues including the Civic Theatre, Tallaght Stadium, Rathfarnham Castle, Pearse Museum, the Coach House, Palmerstown and Round Tower Visitor Centre, Clondalkin with a variety of cultural and historical offerings. The Red Line Book Festival is produced by South Dublin Libraries and Arts and offers a programme of events that appeals to people of all ages and interests, from children to adults, casual readers to Bookworms! Our festival this year boasts a stellar lineup of literary luminaries. We are

A Foc

Red Line Book privileged to host renowned authors such as John Banville, Emer McLysaght, Sarah Breen, C Pam Zhang, and Andrea Mara, among many others. Those interested in true crime eagerly anticipate podcaster Nicola Tallant’s discussion with her fellow journalists Nick Foster, Sharon Lawless, and Maresa Fagan. This promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of unsolved murders

in Ireland. In the festival’s lifestyle strand, we’re also privileged to have Francis Brennan join us to discuss his new book ‘Age is Just a Number’, and local Tallaght author Jennifer Carroll will take us on her wellness journey through her new book, ‘Jen’s Journey’. Another highlight of this year’s festival is the Decade of Centenaries seminar at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday 22nd

October, featuring historians Turtle Bunbury, David McCullagh, Caitriona Crowe, Liz Gillis and Flor McCarthy.

Gerry Creighton author with JJ Doyle and Ciara Coleman

This event will delve into pivotal moments in Irish history, including Éamon de Valera’s 1923, the life and death of Noel Lemass, and we’re delighted to be joined by sporting legend Niall Quinn who will be telling the fascinating story of Oscar Traynor. Literary and theatrical events feature heavily throughout the festival with John Banville discussing his life and work with author Dermot Bolger at Rathfarnham Castle, ‘Aisling Ever

cus On

k Festival 2023

After’ authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen chatting with Muireann O’Connell about their best-selling series, and our crime fiction event with bestselling Irish crime writers

Andrea Mara, Úna Mannion and Olivia Kiernan. Also included are a range of family events including ‘Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers’ and, a family fun day at the Cultural Quarter in Tallaght. For lovers of fiction to history buffs, from guided heritage walks to writing workshops, the Red Line Book Festival truly has something for everyone. See www.redlinefestival.ie for full details of all events. See you there!

Niall Quinn at the launch of Red Line Festival 2023

Images of the

Month

Mayor Alan Edge at the opening of Teenspace Tymon

Councillor Vicki Casserly at Balgaddy Fun Day

Images of the

Month

LEO South Dublin Client Barbeque

Tymon Markets

Images of the

Month

Dublin Canvas 2023 - Tail Blazer by Maureen Kelly in Lucan

The Mayor of South Dublin and Councillors O’Hara, Timmons Duff and Ó’Broin at the Red Line Book Festival Launch

Images of the

Month

Tag Rugby in Clondalkin Rugby Club

Deputy Mayor, Yvonne Collins scoring against Councillor Charlie O’Connor at the BoxUp launch

Finance

Report

Billing & Collection Statement

Rates Aged Debt

Rents Aged Debt

You can view the full Finance Report under the Manager’s Report headed item of the monthly Council meeting agenda.

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Website www.sdcc.ie