Ballymore Eustace Age Friendly/Climate Friendly Village

Description

Ballymore-Eustace working towards Age friendly/Climate friendly village status.

Ballymore Eustace is a village on the borders of Kildare and Wicklow. They have the highest number of older people per head of population in the county and appear to live long lives. In conversation it emerged that a book on the history of Ballymore-Eustace is being compiled, at present and even in the 1800’s people lived long lives with similar % census figures.
From a Climate Action perspective, Ballymore-Eustace was chosen as an example of a rural commuter village and how it can integrate solutions at a community level to adapt to climate change. The challenge in Ballymore-Eustace was to preserve and enhance the integrity of the village, its community, and its environment, while seeking sustainable solutions to building resilience as it adapts to climate change through community activation.
We organised a walkability audit of the village as the initial phase of our project. The actual walk was leisurely and took approx. one hour. Each flaw/obstacle that was identified was carefully noted and photographed. Possible solutions were discussed and in some instances was enhanced by climate action creative solutions and offerings.
On completion of the walk, a de-briefing session took place. All the participants filled out a questionnaire “How Walkable is Your Town” and were consulted and given the opportunity to discuss the issues identified because of the audit.
It was agreed by all that more seating would be welcome along the river walk and that in time a more age friendly/disability walking surface could be sourced and installed. It was currently unsuitable for wheelchair users and possibly those with a visual impairment.
Following on from the audit we set about securing the funding to make the riverwalk age friendly and accessible. We secured 80k in funding from the Department for a disability participation fund and set about getting the work completed in two phases.
Phase 1 is complete with the addition of Age friendly seating and more trees to ensure we incorporated the climate action element also. We have completed several pieces of work in Ballymore Eustace both public Realm and open space. The older persons groups are actively engaged with Age Friendly Climate action training.
Our main project was to enhance the River Liffey Linear Walk in Ballymore Eustace to make it accessible to all. This is a wonderful addition, as part of our Age friendly / Climate friendly village.
A river walk has been created in Ballymore Eustace and we have made 400m of that walk is now Age friendly / climate friendly and accessible area. The walk (pre Kildrae Age Friendly Programme) was of trail standard and the purpose of this project was to fit a new surface which is fully accessible and climate friendly along with the creation of an accessible fishing bay.
This project has improved and encouraged the accessibility of, and participation in, community life for older persons and those with disabilities. This is supported by inclusion in community activities that take place along the river walk. This project creates accessible public and community spaces and improves the accessibility of existing public and community spaces.
Since the work has been carried out , The Community Development Association can confirm that the use of the walk has increased significantly, by older people, both enjoying a safe space but also as a place to go to exercise / recuperate after illness, people with sensory issues who prefer a more natural nature environment (as opposed to busy streets) and people with physical disabilities especially wheelchair / wheel users.
This walk is maintained by Volunteers. The Dunshane team (4 volunteers with disabilities) come out every week to do some work and the walk is maintained by Tidy Towns Volunteers over 55 years (approx. 4 volunteers ) on a daily / weekly basis as required. It is important to note that this is a community owned and community managed facility.

Aim of Initiative

To create an age friendly climate/ friendly village

Who is it aimed at

The entire community but in the main those over 55years

3 Steps critical to success

1. Getting Alliance approval to proceed with the idea of an age friendly climate friendly village
2. Coordinating an internal team and securing funding
   This was completed by the age friendly Programme manager
3. Involving the community
   Completing the walkability audit
   Completing the 4 stage process
   Delivering tangible results

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Funding – While we secured initial funding for Phase 1 we are currently waiting on a funding application for phase 2.
   Additional funding for Public realm works such as crossings etc has been secured through LPT
2. Getting community by-in to Climate change.
   There can be a disconnect especially with older generations in relation to climate change and how they can make a difference
3. Keeping momentum going to complete the project

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Since the work has been carried out , The Community Development Association can confirm that the use of the walk has increased significantly, by older people, both enjoying a safe space but also as a place to go to exercise / recuperate after illness, people with sensory issues who prefer a more natural nature environment (as opposed to busy streets) and people with physical disabilities especially wheelchair / wheel users.
2. Awareness raising of the age friendly programme with the wider community
3. Awareness raising of climate action and how we can impact it at a local level