The Ballyfermot RAPID Interim Area Implementation Team is committed to finding an open and democratic means of electing four community representatives (on a ward and issue basis), on to the permanent AIT.

Following a review of protocols for the election of community representatives on to RAPID AITs across the country, a range of options were recorded as methods for election that are viewed to be open and democratic by various communities throughout Ireland and agreed at the Ballyfermot Community Open Consultation in December 2006.

The following is the procedure that will operate for the election of community representatives to the Ballyfermot AIT.

Electoral Areas / Representation

Four area-based candidates will be elected to represent their area and each candidate will identify 2 issues from the list below that they will represent on the AIT. The election will be based on the following Electoral areas (solely for the purpose of RAPID AIT elections).

• Cherry Orchard, A & C
• Lower Ballyfermot, (Decies and Kilmainham A)
• Drumfinn/Gurteen
• Carna/Kylemore

The following are issues/concerns identified under the Ballyfermot RAPID community consultation:

1. Unemployed        
2. Substance misusers
3. Young peoples issues  
4. Travellers
5. New Communities              
6. Lone parents  
7. People with disabilities       
8. Older people

Nominations are open to all residents in the Dublin 10 Area.

Candidates can:

1. Candidates must have their nomination endorsed by local residents - 30 signatures

or

1. Secure a nomination from a minimum of two local residents associations formally recognised by Dublin City Council within their electoral area;

or

1. Secure nomination from one of the following Groups/Organisations: Ballyfermot Action Co-op, Cherry Orchard Development Council.

Note: Ballyfermot Action Co-op will be entitled to nominate or endorse no more than one candidate to each of the following electoral areas:

• Lower Ballyfermot, (Decies and Kilmainham A)
• Drumfinn/Gurteen
• Carna/Kylemore

Cherry Orchard Development Council will be entitled to nominate or endorse no more than one candidate to the

• Cherry Orchard A & C

A Nominations Committee will review all nominations.

The Co-ordinator must receive all nominations before Friday 28^th September at 5pm.

Elections Procedures

A ballot paper will be produced which identifies all the eligible candidates in alphabetical order with a photo and biographical details that focuses on their suitability for election, identifying their gifts, talents and issue/s. Ballot papers will be distributed to all households prior to an identified election date. Polling will be held at central locations within the electoral area on a date to be identified.

For further information on residents groups or election protocols contact

Pat Teehan RAPID Co-Ordinator at above address.