COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 11, 2013

QUESTION NO 4.

QUESTION: Councillor E. Higgins

To ask the Manager for a report outlining age-friendly initiatives being introduced or implemented as a result of the South Dublin Age Friendly County Strategy?

REPLY:

The Age Friendly Alliance has developed an action plan to ensure that the plans for the future contained in the Age Friendly County Strategy are implemented. Current initiatives include:

• South Dublin Older Person’s Forum – this group was formed in July 2012 and an executive group are meeting regularly. The executive are currently organising an information sharing event to take place during the Bealtaine Festival in May
• South Dublin Service Provider’s Forum – this group began meeting in October 2012 and is chaired by the HSE. Members also include SDCC, An Garda Síochána and other relevant services providers. The aim of the group is to improve coordination of services, use of resources and sharing of information across the County.
• Age Friendly Business Recognition Scheme – South Dublin Chamber are currently developing a training programme to encourage businesses to audit their age friendliness. Businesses who meet the required standards will display a sign declaring their intention to be age friendly. The intended consequence is that the scheme will lead to improved experiences for older people and an increase in custom for business who participate.
• Age Friendly Town Scheme – SDCC are beginning work on developing an Age Friendly Town Plan for Rathcoole in partnership with the Ageing Well Network. A graduate planner has been engaged on a part time basis who is currently enrolled in a specially designed DIT masters programme and will work with the Planning Dept in producing the plan which will reflect the priorities of older people and service providers in Rathcoole.
• A Frail Elderly Programme is now in place in Tallaght Hospital. This programme aims to improve the experience of older patients attending the hospital and recognises their particular needs. A patient advisory council is also being developed in the hospital to ensure the voice of patients, including elderly patients are heard.
• Age Friendly Libraries – South Dublin County Libraries are working with the Library Council, Kildare County Council, The Ageing Well Network and the Department of Health to develop an Age Friendly Libraries protocol. Three focus groups will be held in South Dublin in February to gather the views of older people.

The members will be kept informed as further actions are implemented.