Mayor Ed O’Brien has welcomed the commitment of South Dublin County Council to begin the process of making South Dublin a FairTrade County. The commitment was given following the passing of a motion passed at the February meeting of South Dublin County Council and would see South Dublin become the first FairTrade County in the country. After the meeting Mayor O’Brien expressed his gratitude to council management and fellow councillors.
“I think this is a very positive step now being undertaken by South Dublin County Council and will show solidarity with some of the least well-off farmers and producers in the world and highlight South Dublin County Council’s commitment to fairness and equality when it comes to trade. The FairTrade movement is one that is known to people ion South Dublin as Clondalkin previously became the first FairTrade town in the country and this is something the residents of Clondalkin take great pride in.”
The process will involve collaboration with South Dublin Chamber amongst others and Mayor O’Brien went on to thank the numerous councillors who were supportive of the idea.
Whilst it was disappointing to hear some negative comment during the debate which amounted to nothing other than political point scoring, I was heartened to hear positive comment and support from across all parties and none and this support will no doubt assist in bringing this project to fruition. In all times not just the current trying times we should be mindful that in all parts of the world but in particular the “Global South” there are people much worse off than us and any support we can offer them reflects very well on our County”.
Mayor O’Brien committed to assisting Council management in evolving this project and looked forward to working with his fellow councillors in that regard.
