Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
151. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the directives which are in place requiring local authorities to make adequate provision for a positive environment to support a ageing population in their area; and whether any audit of the adequacy of planning policy to meet this challenge has been undertaken. [15931/24]
View answerAge Friendly Ireland (AFI) is a shared service of local government hosted by Meath County Council responsible for the national Age Friendly Programme, affiliated to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. The WHO has defined eight thematic areas within which the Age Friendly programmes work collaboratively to support the development of local sustainable solutions for older people. The thematic areas are Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Housing, Social Participation, Transport, Respect & Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication & Information, Community Support and Health Services.
AFI supports cities and counties to be more inclusive of older people through the programme which involves a multiagency, multi-sectoral approach to age-related planning and service provision. AFI supports a network of 31 local Age Friendly Programmes which are led by local authorities and which involve many stakeholders from other public bodies, universities, community/voluntary and private sector partners. The shared service supports a number of strategic national structures and provides technical guidance to its networks.
Within the framework of the WHO’s Age Friendly Cities and Communities model, city and county based stakeholders are making commitments to shared action plans addressing the eight thematic areas. Under the leadership of the local authority, governance is anchored in the multi-agency Age-Friendly Alliances, supported by broadly representative Older People’s Councils actively engaged as co-design partners.
Successful Age Friendly Programmes are working to create the kinds of communities in which older people live autonomous, independent and valued lives. The programme has a strong focus on creating walkable, attractive and accessible communities and age-friendly spaces. By introducing actions to address participation and inequality it is intended that people of all ages will be supported to enjoy healthier, more active and connected lives.
