Research highlights the most disadvantaged areas in the county
By Mary Dennehy
A NEW piece of research into deprivation in South Dublin County has been published by The Rights Platform in conjunction with the South Dublin PPN - who are together renewing calls for supports ahead of Social Inclusion Week.
Based on the 2016 Census, the research highlights the eight areas across the county with the ‘most concerning’ indices of deprivation.
A map of the county
Four of these areas are in Tallaght (Tymon, Avonbeg, Killinarden, Fettercairn), three in Clondalkin (Cappaghmore, Rowlagh, Moorfield) and one in Terenure (St James).
As part of the research, a map has been created to illustrate the most disadvantaged areas of South Dublin County, which according to the PPN, includes some ‘stark statistical indicators of social inclusion’.
Minus figures indicate deprivation, with Killinarden, according to the research map, having the highest rate of deprivation at -19.54.
The data also shows unemployment rates of up to 34 per cent in some areas, with Killinarden recording unemployment rates of 34 per cent (male) and 30 per cent (female) in the 2016 CSO.
The proportion of people with third level education ranges from seven per cent to 17 per cent across all eight areas, with levels recorded at eight and 10 per cent in Rowlagh and Avonbeg respectively.
Kieran Walsh, South Dublin PPN co-ordinator
The national average for the proportion of adults with third level education is 42 per cent.
The research was commissioned as part of the PPN (Public Participation Network) workplan for 2020 and is being launched to co-incide with the start of South Dublin County Council’s Social Inclusion Week – which runs across the county this month.
Aiden Lloyd of The Rights Platform believes that the map produced speaks for itself.
“I think this won’t come as a shock to most people who work in the Social Inclusion sector, we see the daily reality of poverty through inequality and we are calling on the local authority to acknowledge this fact and work with the sector to improve living conditions”, Mr Lloyd said.
“It is obvious that we need to focus on employment when the restrictions eventually leave.
“This data is from 2016 – and shows levels of unemployment of up to 34% in some areas – this will be significantly higher in 2021 as the country looks to rebuild our economy.”
According to the South Dublin PPN co-ordinator, Kieran Walsh there is a need to focus on how to engage young people in third level education.
“It’s clear that deep rooted, systemic issues are at play here”, Mr Walsh said.
“We need to start thinking about how to engage younger people into third level education.
“The PPN is always looking at ways to break down barriers to participation and we were delighted to partner with The Rights Platform on this important piece of research.
“Our member groups are at the forefront of highlighting important socio-economic issues at the heart of our communities.”
For further details or to view the map created as part of the research, visit the PPN website, www.sdcppn.ie.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
