Public Consultation on Draft National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland

Minister Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development has published a draft National Policy on Social Enterprise for public consultation and is seeking the views of stakeholders and the public to inform the policy.

The key objective of the Department is to offer a policy framework for the development of the not-for-profit sector and to provide a full range of appropriate supports to organisations in that sector to improve their capability to deliver services to individuals and communities, tackle social issues, and contribute to a fairer and more inclusive society.

In July 2017, policy responsibility for social enterprise was assigned to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The department has taken the lead on the government commitment in the Action Plan for Rural Development to develop and publish a National Policy on Social Enterprise which will encompass the full range of activity in this sector. We are now are draft policy stage  with public consultation an import element of moving the strategy forward.

Social Enterprise in Ireland

The draft policy states that “Social enterprises are part of the wider social economy and make a valuable contribution to the social and economic progress of Ireland through the creation of jobs and through the delivery of a broad range of services in areas such as homecare, child care, employment activation, retail, hospitality and catering environmental services, and social housing. They are innovative, entrepreneurial and are increasingly utilising new technologies and creative approaches to address social, socio-economic and environmental challenges”

The draft policy is focused on three objectives:

1. Building Awareness of Social Enterprise

2. Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise

3. Achieving Better Policy Alignment

Why not have a say after reading the draft National Policy on Social Enterprise

The Minister is inviting the views of stakeholders on the draft policy. These views will contribute to the finalisation of an ambitious, achievable and fit-for-purpose National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland.The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 14th May 2019. You can send your submission by email to: SEConsultation@drcd.gov.ie.

Alternatively, responses can be posted to: Social Enterprise Policy,  Rural Strategy and Social Enterprise, Trinity Point, Leinster Street South, Ireland, D02 EF85

Shared by Reycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Climate Change Overview

Scientific evidence points to the fact that Climate change is happening. Climate change is in the main is caused by human activity on the earth and has greatly increased over the last 200 years. This change can have serious and damaging effects on our lives and on the natural environment in the decades ahead.

Greenhouse gas emissions from cars, trucks, trains, power facilities, factories, and other man-made creations — rather than natural variations in climate — are the primary cause of Climate change.

Over time gases have reached a concentration level in our atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a blanket, trapping the sun’s warmth near the earth’s surface, and affecting the planet’s climate system.

Greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for a long time. Although plants and the ocean absorb carbon dioxide, they can’t keep up with all the extra carbon dioxide that people have been releasing.

The Conference

We all need to do more and increasing knowledge and awareness of what we can do is a valuable first step.  The EPA National Climate Conference, in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment will take place on 15th May 2019 at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. This could be your first step and an opportunity to learn more; to do more!

Speaker will include: Charles Sabel (Columbia Law School), Maria Vassilakou (Mayor of Vienna), Marie Donnelly (Former Director Renewables, Research & Innovation and Energy Efficiency at DG Energy, EC) and Margaret Desmond (Head of Climate Services Section, EPA)

Panel sessions and discussions will focus on Agriculture, Transport, Energy and Engagement.

You can book free here. For the conference agenda, click here

The EPA National Climate Conference is convened by the EPA as part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action. It is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment. For more details please visit the Irish EPA website.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Press Release – March 29, 2019.

Recycle IT, a community electrical recycling organisation based in Dublin was allocated approximately €40,000 to help fund a new electrical recycling collection vehicle. This funding was allocated through the Dormant Accounts Fund managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administrated by Pobal.

As a social enterprise, part funded through the Community Services Programme (CSP) Recycle IT supports the delivery of environmental services in areas of disadvantage. Recycle IT engage with many communities including communities lacking services due to economic, geographical or social challenges or where demand for services is not being addressed easily by existing services.

Una Lavelle General Manager of Recycle IT has welcomed the news calling it ‘a testament to the work of Recycle IT over the last number of years. Una has singled out Pobal and the Dormant Account Fund for their support since inception of electrical recycling services in 2002.

John McEntee Development Manager at Recycle IT is delighted that this funding has been allocated to ensure electrical and electronic recycling collections continue in Dublin and surrounding areas while also reinforcing our ability to deliver training and employment opportunities.

Over the last two year Recycle IT have safely recycled over 900 tonnes of electrical items from homes and over 235 tonnes from school, charities and community organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas. The Dormant Account Fund allows Recycle IT continue to offer an accessible and eco-friendly recycling service for old and once loved electrical and electronic items. Residents groups, charities, school and college will have ongoing access to a free, safe and prescheduled collection service using a new vehicle which will delivers greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions for the benefit of society and the organisation.

This Dormant Accounts funding supports the vision of its voluntary board of directors and staff team to continue delivery of our recycling service, widen the area of coverage and deliver on our mission to provide a professional community based electronic waste management service while creating sustainable employment opportunities based at our recycling facility in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

April 1st – April 5th 2019 

South Dublin County Council’s 15th annual Eco Week promotes awareness of the environment and is a fantastic opportunity for schools, colleges, communities groups, businesses and people living and working in South Dublin to educate, learn and become a part of improving our environment.

Eco Week 2019 really has something for everyone covers a variety of topics. All events are FREE to access  but please book early. Remember when considering events, share details with others, travel together by offering lifts, or use public transport to reduce carbon miles.

Events

Events include environmental workshops, shows, talks and eco walks on themes such as waste prevention, re-use, recycling, energy, water, biodiversity and climate change These activities are scheduled to take place all around the south Dublin in libraries, parks, offices and recycling centres. There is something for everyone from Community Groups to Schools, Business,Householders and Individuals.

Things to try for Eco Week

Recycle IT have complied a list of 11 things you might consider doing for Eco Week 2018, hopefully they are all eco-friendly!

• Leave the grass uncut for April.
• Compost the grass cuttings during spring and summer.
• Bring you family on woodland adventure walk.
• Used your skills to get out community gardening.
• Arrange an eco-cleanup of your local area.
• Book a resident association electrical recycling collection day for your estate.
• Clear out your home and garden shed, donate the items to charity or recycle safely.
• Involve the kids in planting a tree or two.
• Volunteer some time with an environmental group.
• Reduce plastic waste as you are shopping e.g. leave it with the shop as a message!
• Get the family to go meat or fish free for a day.
• Get together with friends for a “Green Party” with organic food and drinks.
• Visit the Recycle IT electrical recycling display at South Dublin County Council office in Tallaght.

Recycle IT for Eco Week

Starting April 1st 2019 residents living and businesses operating in South County Dublin can benefit from free recycling. They can recycle all dual-purpose home and small office electrical/electronic equipment free with Recycle IT during Eco Week 2019 and afterwards!

All you need to do is drop off your electrical equipment at the Recycle IT recycling facility in Clondalkin. The team will be on hand all week to help you will lifting or moving items. You can in advance on 01 4578321 to let them know your coming or to get directions. The centre is open for drop off from 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 3pm on Friday.

WEEE to work

Recycle IT in association with South Dublin County Council will operate a WEEE to Work Collection for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). People working in local organisations and businesses are invited to participate by bringing their old electrical items to work

The Recycle IT team will accept any items with a plug or a battery. Batteries will also be collected during the week, just bag or box them and bring them along. If you wish to organise a dedicated and free WEEE to Work Collection from your office or business, Recycle IT will be happy to support.

Display

As part of our electrical recycling display, drop off points will be avaialalbe in the lobby of the South Dublin County Council offices in Tallaght to recycle small electircal items so bring them from home and drop in when passing!

Information 

If you have questions or would like to arrange a WEEE to Work collection from your office, please call us on 01 4578321 or email: info@recycleit.ie. You can also visit the website www.recycleit.ie to learn more about electrical recycling.

For more information on Eco-Week or to book a place at an event please visit www.southdublin.ie or contact the Environmental Awareness Section, South Dublin County Council on 01 4149000.