Rainbow steps ‘lovely vibrant’ initiative will be implemented

THE COUNCIL will implement a rainbow steps initiative at various locations across South Dublin to promote diversity and inclusion, amid “an increase in hate crimes”.

At the recent meeting of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Emma Murphy tabled a motion asking the council to implement rainbow steps across the county.

“The rainbow steps initiative which you’ve seen in various different countries across Europe in particular, there’s a really gorgeous one in Turkey,” Mayor Murphy said.

“They develop [diversity and inclusion] on a much more integrated basis and it’s something that’s really visible and really vibrant.

“The other component of the rainbow steps initiative is that it gives us an opportunity to take already existing stairways, or future stairways, and actually integrate them into what we’re doing.

“We’ve got gorgeous civic amenities that we’re proposing to develop over the next while… and it’s kind of a subtle but vibrant way of improvement works.

“It’s a lovely initiative and vibrant, you can see what kind of a difference a bit of colour can make to a community environment as well.

“I saw it on my travels, it’s something I’d thought I’d bring here, it’s a little bit different and complimentary to our rainbow crossings rather than anything to be in competition with it as well.”

Councillors at the meeting responded positively to the motion, with Cllr Edge saying “these things are really important”.

“They are small in the grand scheme of all the work that the county does but to provide visibility for people is hugely important, particularly at a time when we’re seeing an increase in hate crimes, hate speech directed at people across all sectors, particularly at the moment in respect of our trans friends and family,” Cllr Edge said.

A hate crime is a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or another person that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender.

Presently, there is no specific hate crime legislation in place, and hate crimes are on the rise in Ireland.

In 2022, there was 582 hate crimes and hate related incidents recorded – which represents a 29 percent increase on the previous year.

South Dublin County Council has repaired rainbow crossings a few times after the crossings, which were installed over the last year, were vandalised.

Referencing a rainbow crossing being graffitied on, Cllr Edge said this “funnily enough reinforces the need for visibility”.

Cllr Teresa Costello asked the council to “remember the Charles O’Toole bridge” when making their assessment, saying “it would be a nice addition to that”.

Echoing Cllr Costello’s sentiments, Cllr Mick Duff said the steps of the Charles O’Toole bridge, which traverses the Tallaght Bypass from Tallaght Village to St Dominic’s, “is the perfect place” for rainbow steps.

Cllr Ronan McMahon took issue with the words diversity and inclusion being used in the motion.

The Charles O’Toole bridge is the perfect location according to councillors

“Probably wont be popular for saying this but I’m always fascinated by the words diversity and inclusion when members here or indeed members of the general community have promoted anything to do with the LGBT and Trans community,” Cllr McMahon said.

“Diversity and inclusion only seem to be applicable to certain segments and minorities in our community.

“A few years ago, I proposed we fly the papal flag on the occasion of Pope Francis’ visit to the city for a day or two.

“The same members who flaunt diversity and inclusion were the very ones who adamantly spoke and voted against diversity and inclusion on that time. My mind boggles slightly.

“The only issue I have with this motion is that its used to promote diversity and inclusion, which I am 100 percent in favour of.

“I would be a little bit nervous of various locations, that there’s no limit on them and they can be put everywhere.

“I think there should be a limit on the budgets, whether it’s four or five of them around the county. But it shouldn’t be limitless and on every steps in the county.”

In response to this, Cllr Cathal King, who earlier spoke in favour of the motion, said: “I’m sure you’ll have yellow and white in them Mayor, will you?”. Mayor Murphy’s response was “I’ll stick it in”.

Director of Land Use, Planning and Transportation in the council, Mick Mulhern said the idea is “something that we could explore”.

“Where it might go, I don’t think there would be a concern Cllr McMahon that there would be too many of these,” Mr Mulhern said.

“I don’t think we have the resources or capacity to do too many.”

Wrapping up the discussion, Mayor Murphy said it is supposed to be “something unique, rather than everywhere”, and the motion was agreed by all members.