Dublin gets Fairtrade status

Dublin will be awarded Fairtrade Capital City status today, just two years after it launched a campaign aimed at securing the title.

Lord Mayor Paddy Burke will today confirm the successful development which comes after Dublin City Council signed a resolution to promote Fairtrade products.

Council staff, retailers, schools and universities joined the campaign which is to be recognised in a ceremony held in the city’s Mansion House today.

“Sales of Fairtrade products are growing at 70% a year nationally,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We now join a select group of cities including Rome and Edinburgh as a Fairtrade European Capital City.

“Fairtrade Capital City accreditation is an acknowledgement of the commitment of the citizens of Dublin City to ensuring a better deal for Third World Producers.”

Dublin City Council is erecting a series of flags and banners along the quays and in the city centre to promote Fairtrade Fortnight, from Monday February 25 until Sunday March 9.