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The task of making Newbridge a FAIRTRADE town began early 2006, when a steering committee comprising of Very Rev. Fr Joe McDermott PP, Cllr. Brian Maginn, Adrian Kane, Cllr. Fiona O’Loughlin, Siobhán Byrne and Sadie Barlow came together to plan the towns progression to becoming a FAIRTRADE Town.

Newbridge is continually expanding, and in 2007 the population is estimated to be approximately 25,000 people, the town has thrived as a business and industrial town since the early 1930’s, and now like all other towns in Ireland Newbridge has become a multicultural town. Newbridge - as large as it is - has retains its community spirit, and a quick drive or walk around the town will support this view with the Residents Associations maintaining their areas, and the Business community being supportive of communities on which they themselves depend.

In essence Newbridge is a good place to live, a good place to learn and a good place to carry out a business venture. Now it’s time to give something back!

So what in essence is FAIRTRADE?
The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to Fairtrade Mark Ireland's www.fairtrade.ie/ aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE.

So what is required for Newbridge to be a successful FAIRTRADE Town?
There are Six Goals to be met by any Town wanting to become a Fairtrade Town:

A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status. This should ideally include a council representative, campaigners, and people representing the areas schools, churches and local businesses. The group is responsible for an annual assessment to monitor whether the area is continuing to meet the six goals. The group organise special events during Fairtrade Fortnight.

The Town Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade (The Town Council passed a resolution on the 11th July 2006 supporting Fairtrade), and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings, in its offices and canteens. The Town Council commits to promoting Fairtrade to its constituency on a regular basis, through its free publication and other outlets. The Town Council allocates Fairtrade Town responsibilities to a member of staff or committee (working in partnership with a local FAIRTRADE steering group) to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status. Street signs are erected declaring it as a Fairtrade Town.

A range of Fairtrade Mark products [at least two] are available in the Town’s shops, and served in local cafes / catering outlets. Catering outlets should serve100% Fairtrade Mark coffee. Tea, cocoa and sugar are welcome additions. Retail stockists should include supermarkets, as well as health and whole food shops. These should display literature or posters advertising the fact that they sell or serve Fairtrade Mark products. A local Fairtrade directory could be produced advising people where they can buy or find Fairtrade Mark products - both on paper, and on-line.

Fairtrade Mark products are used by a flagship business as well as other local businesses and organisations. This should include schools, churches, large offices and local voluntary groups. Venues should display stickers, posters advising that they use Fairtrade and support the local Fairtrade Town campaign.

The group attracts media coverage and popular support for the campaign. For the press the story can be revived as each goal is achieved, organising a big splash for the Fairtrade endorsement ceremony, and developing a strategy to keep it in the news long after.

A significant number of schools become Fairtrade Schools. They use the Civil, Social, and Political Education packs (CSPE) and video or use The Alive-0 8 programme for primary schools. Where possible change the school canteen over to Fairtrade coffee / tea and sell FAIRTRADE snacks in your tuck-shop, and organise an event during Fairtrade Fortnight.

How can YOU help?
YOU can all help make NEWBRIDGE a FAIRTRADE Town by making simple changes in our shopping. Purchase products carrying the FAIRTRADE MARK such as tea, coffee and tea, cocoa, chocolate, juice, snacks, biscuits, fruit, honey, wine, rice, bananas, cotton and sugar products.
NEWBRIDGE as a FAIRTRADE town was formally launched in the Silver Restaurant in Newbridge Silverware by Trócaire Director Mr. Justin Kilcullen on the 26th January 2007.







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