OPC Convention 2025

• Date: 8th and 90th May 2025
• Host: South Dublin County Council
• Venue: Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin
• Theme: The Wisdom of Years – A Lifetime of Perspective

Speakers Day 1

• Kieran O’Donnell TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service | National Update
• Professor Ronan Collins, SDCC Age Friendly Ambassador, Consultant in Geriatric & Stroke medicine, Clinical Associate Professor Trinity College Dublin and Tallaght University Hospital, Clinical Lead National Stroke Program Stroke Prevention and Awareness | Brain Health
• Fireside chat with Prof Collins & Brendan Courtney with questions and comments from the floor

Panel Discussion Day 2

• Colm Ward (Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council)
• Dr Graham Hughes (National Clinical Programme for Older People)
• Moyagh Murdoch (CEO, Insurance Ireland)
• Mike Hanrahan, musician, member of band Stocktan’s Wing and Clare Age Friendly Ambassador. 

Workshops

Age Friendly Housing Tour at The Weir	Age Friendly housing recognises the diverse needs of older persons, including that few older people currently live in a home that supports both ageing in place and independent living for longer. South Dublin County Council has increased its provision of Age Friendly housing in recent times. The Weir development consists of four purpose built apartment blocks, comprised of 81 one- and two bedroom homes. The complex has a large communal space and facilities, promoting active engagement and positive aging for residents and the local community. The scheme is located near all shops and services that Tallaght has to offer, with excellent Luas and bus transport links. This Age Friendly housing workshop focuses on the development of The Weir. Participants will initially enjoy a presentation on Age Friendly housing in the conference room in Tallaght Stadium, followed by a visit to the development which is approximately a two minute walk from the stadium.
Walking Tour of Tallaght	This interactive and informative walk and talk tour of Tallaght will be rich in local history and folklore. The guided tour provided by local historians, will take participants through Sean Walsh Park. The walk will include St Maelruains churchyard were participants will visit the graves of some prominent citizens, including artists, soldiers and clergy who are buried on the site. The Tour will also include, Tallaght Village and the grounds of the St Mary’s Priory which includes the private gardens.
Our Rural Future	The Department of Rural and Community Development has a public consultation open on the development of a new Rural Development Policy. The new policy will build on the 2021-2025 policy Our Rural Futures which provided a blueprint for a thriving and inclusive rural Ireland under a whole-of-government approach. The forthcoming iteration of the policy will address new issues of importance for people in rural Ireland. This workshop will enable Older People’s Council members to contribute their views towards this consultation process. A facilitated discussion will consider the challenges and opportunities facing rural Ireland, and issues such as what services are needed in rural areas, how to develop inclusive and sustainable communities, economic development, and recommendations for making rural villages and communities ‘Age Friendly’. The workshop will inform a written submission to the Department to be drafted by Age Friendly Ireland based on points raised by Older People’s Councils at the workshop. This workshop is one part of an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process led by the Department which will continue throughout the year.
Walkability Audit at Tallaght Stadium	This walkability audit workshop delivered by the national Age Friendly technical advisor Declan Gaffney, will initially focus on the theory underpinning the audit, and will be followed by a walkabillity audit of Tallaght Stadium and the surrounding area.
Brú Chrónáin -The Round Tower Visitor Centre	The Round Tower Visitor Centre is a distinctive themed spaces of the refurbished 19th century Mill Cottages and brings to life the monastic setting, the Viking legacy, the 19th and early 20th-century setting of Clondalkin, a busy Dublin village, as well as exploring the role that round towers performed both socially and politically in Ireland. The Round Tower experience incorporates an interactive visitor centre, gardens, café, terraced dining area, exhibition and gallery spaces and shop. The duration of tour is about 1hr including the tour of gardens, which can be reduced if needed. Visitors can opt to take a self-guided tour, and can download an app to assist (various languages). The Round Tower Visitor Centre is completely accessible with availability of lift, accessible toilets, wheelchair on site and ramps.
Pearse Museum Tour	Pearse Museum is situated in 20 hectares of attractive parkland in Rathfarnham, Dublin, The museum narrates the story of Patrick Pearse. Visitors can enjoy a fascinating exhibition on Pearse’s life and wander through the historic rooms. The scenic landscape surrounding the museum contains a wild river valley, forested areas and some enchanting eighteenth- and nineteenth-century follies. The duration of the tour is approximately 50-60 minutes and can be enjoyed with a guide or via the self-guided tour method. Most part of the Museum is accessible and there is a lift on site. The historic rooms on the first floor and the exhibitions spaces are accessible, with the exception of one area which can only be accessed by using steps. A café is available onsite with indoor and outdoor sitting arrangements. The café is completely accessible.
Active Aging Exercise Class with Active South Dublin	Enjoy an outdoor Active Aging exercise class delivered by our Active South Dublin team.
Personal Downtime Option	If you choose not to participate in the workshops, you may prefer to take some personal time to yourself.