Carmel Cashin, Senior Community Worker and Age Friendly Coordinator, Kildare County Council and Marian Higgins, Director of Services, Kildare County Council receiving award.

Kildare County Council receives Age Friendly Initiative award

2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards

by · Leinster Leader

Kildare County Council was the recipient of the Age Friendly Initiative award at the 2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards, which took place in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 21st November. 

 

Following the census of 2016, Ballymore-Eustace was selected as a potential village for Age Friendly and Climate Change Friendly initiatives by Kildare County Council due to its high proportion of elderly residents compared to the rest of the county.  Ballymore-Eustace was selected as a case study for how rural commuter villages can implement community-level solutions to address climate change, focusing on Climate Action.

 

The objective for Ballymore-Eustace was to identify the problems affecting the walkability of the village for elderly residents and at-risk road users.  Through analysing the problems and talking about possible solutions, Ballymore-Eustace had the opportunity to enhance its walkability and transform into a more accessible public area, while finding sustainable ways to increase resilience in the face of climate change by involving the community.

 

Instead of solely concentrating on main street in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare County Council also considered other amenities in the village, such as the river walk.  Kildare County Council upgraded a section of the standard trail by adding new surfaces and constructing fishing areas, turning 800m into an accessible recreation spot.  This pathway is now open to everyone and can be accessed by all. 

 

This project has enhanced and promoted the inclusivity of, and engagement in, community life for older persons and individuals with disabilities, while enhancing the availability of public and community spaces.

 

The Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised. The Excellence in Local Government Awards were held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.