SDCC taking the lead for a healthy Ireland

IN recognition of South Dublin County Council’s commitment to support the implementation of Healthy Ireland – the National Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing at Local Level, the Minister of State for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, TD, presented South Dublin County with a certificate of accreditation to the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network.

As one of the first counties in Ireland to become a member, the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network, Minister Corcoran Kennedy TD congratulated South Dublin County Council on taking the lead, and for making a commitment to work to make South Dublin a healthier place for all.

Minister Corcoran Kennedy added that “as a former elected member of a local authority, I know that local authorities are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation.

“I know the influence and reach that local authorities, in particular the recently formed Local Community Development Committees, have in every community and I see huge potential for them to contribute to building a healthier Ireland.”

Ms Elisabeth Bengtsson, representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), explained that “declarations and strategies on international and national levels are important as common grounds for understanding, but to make them happen, and to foster real change, they have to be interpreted and put into actions at the local level where people live their lives and can have their say and Healthy South Dublin is taking that step.”

Billy Coman, Director of Housing, Community and Social Development in South Dublin County Council and Chair of the Healthy South Dublin Forum, explained that “as the influences on health such as employment, environment, transport, housing, community development, and food supply are so varied and complex, to address health issues and promote good health it is important to take a multi-agency approach.

“The commitment to Healthy South Dublin provides this focus and space.”

Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Guss O’Connell, who accepted the accreditation award, added: “It’s great for South Dublin County to receive the certificate of accreditation in recognition of the work being undertaken at county level to improve the Health and Welling being of all those who live and work in South Dublin County.

“This initiative was also recognised nationally this week and was awarded the prestigious Chamber’s Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award in the category for Health and Wellbeing.”

The first counties in Ireland to receive accreditation to the National Healthy Cities and Counties Network are South Dublin County and Offaly.

In addition Waterford City and County Council, Galway City Council and Cork City Council received certificates of accreditation for their involvement in the WHO Healthy Cities Project as individual cities prior to the development of Healthy Ireland.