Older People’s Councils gather in Druid’s Glen
WICKLOW County Council hosted this year’s National Convention for Older People’s Councils in the Druids Glen on Thursday and Friday.
Older Person’s Councils are representative groups of older people established by local authorities as part of the development of the Age Friendly City/County programme. These Older Person’s Councils identify priority areas of need, raise issues of importance and influence the decision making process of the Age Friendly initiative.
Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly TD gave the opening address, saying: ‘While an ageing population brings some challenges, I feel strongly that this also presents us with opportunities to bring about improvements in society to facilitate and accommodate our changing needs. It is extremely important that we recognise the importance of the decisions that are being made at a local authority level to make this happen, and I want to thank all the people who have made the time and effort to contribute to the Councils’.
Also addressing the event were Mai Quaid, Chairperson Wicklow Older Person’s Council, Cllr Pat Vance, Cathaoirleach Wicklow County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive Wicklow County Council, Jackie McGuire, Chief Executive Meath County Council and Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell. There were also presentations from Fingal Older People’s Council, Dublin City Older People’s Council and Wexford Older People’s Council. The closing address was delivered by Health Minister Simon Harris.