Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
577. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the details of the Healthy Ireland stakeholder forum on the built environment taking place in November 2018; the persons and bodies invited to the event; the speakers and presenters at the event; the format of the event; the outcomes expected (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45003/18]
View answerA number of Government policies aim to support the design and development of built environments that enhance health, well-being and quality of life for all. Healthy Ireland's Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) and the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) both require that joint action is taken to promote the importance of physical activity and to reduce the obesogenic nature of the built environment.
In line with Actions 31 of the NPAP and 2.1 of the OPAP, which commit to developing guidelines and support materials for those working in developing the built environment in order to promote the importance of physical activity, and Action 59 of the NPAP which commits to developing a programme of on-going stakeholder communication and engagement, a Stakeholder Forum will be held on November 21st, 2018.
This Forum, entitled Connect, Collaborate, Create; Co-Designing Healthier Communities, A Healthy Ireland Stakeholder Forum on the Built Environment, will bring together those who have a responsibility for planning and developing public spaces with those who have expertise regarding the impacts of the built environment on health and well-being. It will provide an opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion on how we might support enhanced collaboration in the future, to create healthier communities.
Connect, Collaborate, Create; Co-Designing Healthier Communities will take place in the National Indoor Arena, at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, on Wednesday, November 21st.
Planning for the Forum is at an advanced stage, and a number of individuals have agreed to present and to take part in workshops at the event. A wide range of stakeholders will be invited to the Forum, comprising key representatives from Health, Sport, Planning, Environment, Local Government and others. A Save the Date has been sent out; meanwhile, finishing touches are being applied to the programme and invitations will be issued during the week commencing November 5th.
Deputy O'Reilly will be furnished with the Programme by officials from my Department, as soon as it has been finalised.
