The Local Age Friendly Programme in Galway City has been active for many years and has been of huge benefit to the target community. The OPE meets on average 8 times per year and has recently finalised its workplan for 2023.
Directory of Services
A number of meetings have taken place with the Age Friendly Programme Managers for Co. Galway and with members of the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) to develop a new Directory of Services for the city and county. A working group has been set up with representatives from the city and county Older Persons Executive. The directory has been broken down into themes which align with the WHO themes. Each theme has been assigned to either OPE/Council/HSE for their update. The Directory will be launched to coincide with Positive Aging Week in October. The directory will be in hard copy and online.
Wayfinding dementia friendly signage
Galway City Library has recently installed dementia-friendly signage with thanks to grant funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund, supported by additional funding from Galway City Council’s Age-Friendly Office. This pilot project saw the creation of new signage, designed in line with the best practices for clarity and understanding for people with dementia. It is part of the ongoing mission of Galway Public Libraries to make all our libraries dementia-friendly spaces.
Age-friendly initiatives
Age-friendly seating has been ordered for the bus stop at Renmore Road and will be installed in the coming weeks. Armrests have also been ordered for the new bench on the recently constructed Salmon Weir Bridge and aims to be installed in the next few weeks.
Housing supports
The provision of housing for older persons and Universal design units are progressing at the following Galway City Council developments:
- An Cliathan, Old Monivea Road: completion of units Q3 2023
- Clybaun Road: Stage two pending, design development ongoing
- Ballyburke: Stage two approved, design development ongoing