Two Offaly projects shortlisted for National Age Friendly Recognition Awards
Two Offaly projects have been shortlisted for the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.
A housing project undertaken in Tullamore by Oaklee, Pat Loftus Construction Group, Brian Dunlop Architects, Nolan Construction Consultants, MPA Consulting Engineers, Delap & Waller and Doyle + O’Troithigh Landscape Architecture has been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Housing Award.
bBealtaine Felting Project by Offaly Older Person’s Network have been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Community Innovation Award
They have been shortlisted for their exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older.
Recognised by Age Friendly Ireland, these projects exemplify best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country.
Offaly Older Person’s Network said their members created felted works based on Memories of Charleville Castle - and the launch of the exhibit was a huge success
"The success of the launch in Tullamore Library highlighted how important this was to the families; bringing old memories into the present, the future even, as it created artworks that would stay on the wall for the next generation to enjoy."
Explaining the housing project in Tullamore, Oaklee said the project ensured that elderly people had a community that was made accessible for their specific needs.
"This unique project delivered a well-designed, safe, and pleasant living environment which meets the needs of residents and fosters the development of this new community.
"The development significantly contributed to addressing the shortfall of purpose-built elderly housing accommodation available in the locality, with a density which is appropriate to the context of surrounding areas, whilst considering protection of residential amenities in neighbouring dwellings.
"We’ve also introduced new transport links in the area by entering a partnership with Slievebloom Coaches to service the subject site as part of their existing bus service therefore reducing the need for residents and visitors to use personal transport."
The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme.
These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing.
The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin, hosted by Fingal County Council.