Seminar explores poverty factors and experiences in South Dublin
A SEMINAR titled ‘Poverty in South Dublin County’, which explored poverty experiences, incidence, and mitigating factors, was held at the Institute for Population Health this week.
The aim of the seminar was to assist in the creation of a county-wide anti-poverty plan, and to provide guidance for the Local Economic and Community Plan.
Other objectives included improving a multidisciplinary, cross-agency strategy based on evidence presented at the seminar.
The topics covered at the event on Wednesday, October 5, included social determinants of health, poverty in South Dublin: The Area-Based Childhood Programme perspective, and priority actions and developments.
Speaking about the seminar, CEO of the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) Marian Quinn said: “Because of the geographic concentration of disadvantage, we come together to discuss coherent, multi-level, area-based strategies to address social exclusion, child poverty, intergenerational deprivation, and poor health outcomes.
“Sharing knowledge and planning allows for a more focused and intensive focus on child outcomes, as well as a more holistic approach to child development.”
Professor Catherine Darker, associate professor in health services research at the Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, said: “Deprivation happens along a social gradient with poor people doing worse on all health outcomes.
“This causes harm to individuals, families and the whole of society. It can predict whether people will live healthy long lives into older adulthood or have multiple complex health problems which can cause them to die up to 15 years younger than their wealthier neighbours.
“The good news is that this is a socially constructed phenomenon.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. “We, as a society, can organise ourselves so as that the social gradient of poverty isn’t so severe.
“I, for one, want to live in a society, not in an economy.”
This sentiment was echoed by Jennifer Moroney Ward from South Dublin County Council’s social and community development section.
“We all have a role to play in tackling the root causes of poverty in South Dublin County,” said Ms Moroney Ward.
“It requires a partnership approach and sharing of a common vision.
“We look forward to involving partners in the design and development of the new LECP for South Dublin and working together to implement key actions targeted at addressing poverty in South Dublin County.”
The seminar featured a number of contributions from academics including Professor Mary P. Corcoran, Chair of South Dublin Local Community Development Committee, Hugh Fraser, Adjunct Professor of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University, and Dr Catherine Darker from the Institute for Population Health.
Colm Ward, the services director at South Dublin County Council, also contributed, as did Karen Costello of Blueskies and Jefrey Shumba from the CDI with Audrey Warren, Chair of South Dublin CYPSC and Tusla area manager.
