Awards 2023 | Age Friendly Ireland

This is the seventh annual awards ceremony for Age Friendly Ireland since 2014. This year we received 176 applications.

Members of the independent judging panel for 2023 were Peter Hynes, former Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Jackie Maguire former Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Madeleine Quirke, former CEO of Wexford Chamber of Commerce and John Roche a former Chief Superintendent for An Garda Síochána. After long deliberations the shortlisting process was completed and the following 26 projects were chosen:

Short Listed Projects

Category	Shortlisted Projects
Age Friendly Transport Award	Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Centre Community Car NTA Community Car Pilot and emerging preferred model , Co.Longford
Sponsored by the Department of Transport	Sofa to Saddle Cycling programme for over 55’s, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Getting to where you want to go when you want to go is so important to so many older people. This category recognises the vital difference that access to good quality and reliable transport options can make to an older person.	‘Ireland’s First Age Friendly Train Station’ MacDonagh Station Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny

Age Friendly Active & Healthy Ageing Award	Healthy Islands A series of Health and Wellbeing Events to improve knowledge of services available, Galway County
Sponsored by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE)	Strong and Steady Structured exercise programme for older people evidenced to reduce falls, Co.Wexford
We are living for longer but remaining healthy and active in later years can be a real challenge. This award recognises those initiatives that optimise opportunities for good health in later years, so that older people can continue to play an active role in community life.	Fáilte Isteach Older volunteers support language & integration needs of migrants, IPAs & refugees. Co.Meath

Age Friendly Business Innovation Award	Beyond the Trees, Avondale Avondale, Co.Wiclow
Sponsored by Chambers Ireland	Drop in Friday’s – Vodafone Retail Dedicated support for elderly customers in Vodafone Retail, Nationwide
We know that creating an enjoyable and accessible environment for older consumers pays dividends for businesses. Here we recognize initiatives that strive to improve the environment for older people as consumers.	Specsavers – Dedicated Day for Older Customers Age Friendly Store, Co.Kildare

Age Friendly Safety & Security Award	Monaghan Alerts Tailored communication to the public inc. Council, weather and Garda alerts, Co.Monaghan
Sponsored by An Garda Siochana	Fire Safety Campaign Specifically targeted at older people, Co.Clare
Feeling safe and secure at home and when out and about greatly enhances the lives of older people. This category acknowledges the impact of community-based responses that enable older people to feel secure in their homes and in the wider community, and to know what to do when they do	An Garda Siochána – Older Persons Wellbeing Event To a rise in suicides by older persons, Cavan and Monaghan

Age Friendly Communication Award	Intergenerational Connection Youth Action Addressing – IT Poverty among older people in South Kerry
Sponsored by An Post	The Talking Newspaper A podcast featuring weekly stories and reports from the Carlow Nationalist, Co.Carlow
A lack of access to information is often cited as a barrier to “ageing well” in Ireland. The ability to access clear and concise information can impact on a range of an older person’s life, from health and wellbeing to social connectedness to financial security. This award recognises efforts being made around the country to bridge the information gap.	Information Screens DCC Central Area Office Dublin City – Dementia Ireland Empowering Communities Co.Galway

Age Friendly Environment Award	O’Sullivan Park, Mervue This project started as a partnership initiative between Galway City Council
Sponsored by the Centre for Excellence In Universal Design	Access for All Recycling initiative for Age Friendly, Co.Carlow
The built environment has a unique impact on the lives of all older people. Simple things like adequate public seating, level footpaths and appropriate crossing times at pedestrian crossings all have a huge impact on the ability of older people to be active in their towns and villages. The category recognises projects that bring about change in the built physical environment with older people in mind.	Playful Spaces for All A collaboration to increase access and playfulness at Our Lady’s island, Co.Wexford

Age Friendly Community Innovation Award	The Art of Living Documentary by Cormac O’Connor, interviews with older people across Cork, Cork County
Sponsored by the Department of Rural & Community Development	Beech Hill College Intergenerational Project TY Students broadcasting news for local nursing homes, Co.Monaghan
The voice of the older person is at the heart of the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme, the Programme is designed and implemented with them and not for them. This award recognises those innovative projects that are driven by older people for older people. These projects not only enhance the lives of older people but benefit the community at large.	Age-Friendly University Initiative Co.Dublin Sweeter the Tune A programme for older artists and older peoples groups, Co.Leitrim.

Age Friendly Housing Award	St. Josephs Age Friendly Housing Development Waterford City and County
Sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage	Cornamona Court, Intergenerational and Age Friendly scheme Intergenerational and Age Friendly scheme with 61 homes, Dublin City
As people age, they spend more time in their own homes. This means that older people’s quality of life, and thus their health, can depend on the appropriateness of their home environment and the conditions in which they live. This award recognises innovative housing initiatives that enable older people to remain independent for as long as possible.	Rowlestown, Universal & Age Friendly designed houses Fingal

Wexford County Council hosted The Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards Ceremony for 2023 on the 20th November in the wonderful Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford.