“That the Chief Executive, following on from research done in Fingal by the North Dublin Regional Drugs Task Force in 2021, based on the Planet Youth project in Iceland, provide vouchers of €300 to be redeemed through sports and culture PPN member organisations based in Fingal and to distribute these vouchers to families with members between 6 to 18-year-olds in three Fingal Estates.”  

A written report was provided as follows:

The Planet Youth Project is an ongoing initiative led by the North Dublin Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force aiming to improve health and life outcomes for young people in many areas by targeting the risk and protective factors that determine their substance use behaviours and enhance the social environment they are growing up in.    

Fingal County Council is one of many stakeholders contributing to this plan and its associated impact on public policy, which commenced in 2021 and is of five-year duration.     

The Council is working alongside other stakeholders to assist in building a process structure whereby researchers, policy makers and administrative leaders, and practitioners use the rich data set collected under the research arm of the project to set local goals and strategies which may work well in specific environments.   Part of the ethos of Planet Youth is that no two communities are identical and tailored projects may be required depending on the area.  Current focus is on the rich dataset arising from Programme 1 which informs, along with other policies, the workplans of the Community and Sports Development Staff.  

It is notable that Programme 1 does not mention or make any recommendation of a €300 fund to families in Fingal communities.  It is therefore, recommended that the Council continue to work in a structured manner on the rich data emerging from this initiative, focusing on issues which arise during the various stages of reporting as set out in the project plan and reflecting this in Council strategic documents and associated workplans as appropriate.   

The Council has a substantial track record in building sustainable inclusive communities.  It is currently working on a new Fingal Sports and Physical Activities Plan 2024-2029, an audit of Sports and Physical Infrastructure across the county and has just embarked as a member of the Active Cities project.  Along with the Planet Youth Data, our policies in this area are informed by many reports and strategies including;  

·       Fingal County Council Development Plan (particularly references to sustainable

placemaking/quality homes, recreational, sporting facilities and open spaces, sustainable travel, hubs, open space etc) 

·       The Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 | Fingal County Council  

·       Healthy Placemaking: Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial &

Economic Strategy https://emra.ie/final-rses/ 

·       Fingal Sports Office Vision Statement 2019–2021 - fingal-sports-office-final-vision-statement.pdf 

·       Fingal Community Development Vision Statement – has been extended to 2023.

https://www.fingal.ie/sites/default/files/2021-12/9139_fingal-community-dev-office-vision-statement_web2.pdf 

·       Fingal Migrant Integration Strategy

https://www.fingal.ie/council/service/migrant-integration-social-cohesion-strategy-2019-2024 

·       Fingal Open Space Strategy - keeping_it_green_oss.pdf (fingal.ie) 

·       Fingal Active Travel Strategy https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/strategy/draft 

·       Fingal Coastal Way - https://www.fingal.ie/fingal-coastal-way 

·       Fingal Play Policy - Space for Play - A Play Policy for Fingal | Fingal County Council 

·       Fingal/Healthy Ireland - Healthy Fingal | Fingal County Council 

It is recommended that the strategic approach to work in this area briefly outlined above continues, and that this proposal is addressed within the context of the Planet Youth Plan 2021-2025 recommendations as they emerge. 

It was AGREED the Motion be amended to read: 

FCC (Fingal County Council) to undertake a targeted Fingal appropriate pilot project in one area of socio economic need to increase constructive participation of young people in sport and leisure activities while addressing cultural and ethnic considerations. 

The Motion was proposed by Abi Wise and Seconded by Councillor Hopkins.