Kerry County Council, Age Friendly Kerry and the Older People’s Council Kerry, in association with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority were delighted and proud to organise and host the ‘Older Drivers’ Road Safety Conference in the Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday, 8th October 2024. The free event was well attended by older people from all parts of Kerry.
Driving a vehicle represents freedom and independence and helps older people to feel more confident and in control of their lives. It gives independence and allows key social interactions within their community. The purpose of the conference was to provide older drivers with an insight into continuing to drive and staying safe on the road.
Anna May McHugh of the National Ploughing Association and Age Friendly Ambassador Laois was the keynote speaker at the conference. Anna May had a very inspiring talk with Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kerry County Council, wherein she encouraged attendees to “keep going as long as you can”.
Please see article in the Irish Examiner here.
Speakers on the day included:
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald.
Chairperson of the Older People’s Council Kerry, Catherine Lenihan.
TJ O’Connor – Regional Road Safety Promotions Officer, Road Safety Authority – ‘Mobility Matters’ for Older Drivers.
Inspector Gary Carroll, An Garda Síochána, Kerry Division – Policing the Roads.
Anika Jereamenko, Regional Manager, Specsavers Opticians and Audiology – ‘Keeping an eye on the road’.
Tim O’Donoghue, Driver Consultant, Results Driving Assessment Services – Older Drivers Mobility.
Donnchadh Walsh, Physiotherapist, Bon Secours – Keeping Active and Physiotherapy.
A panel discussion was also held providing attendees an opportunity to pose questions or offer comments on the conference and the information provided. The panel was made up of:
Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kerry County Council (Chair)
Inspector Gary Carroll, An Garda Síochána
Vincent Foley, Executive Engineer, Kerry County Council
Ciara Farrell, Regional Manager, West – Age Friendly Ireland
