Social Inclusion Week Tea Dance

PRESS RELEASE

Social Inclusion Week Tea Dance

22^nd November

Ms. Maria Finn, Social Inclusion Officer, South Dublin County Council welcomed over 250 residents of the county to the first Tea Dance in the Red Cow Inn organised by the local authority. This event was organised as part of Social Inclusion Week by staff from the Community Services Department of South Dublin County Council.

This Tea Dance brought together volunteers and members of groups from all over the county. There was an overwhelming response for tickets for this event but unfortunately the space was limited and the numbers were restricted to 250. However based on the success of this event, there may be more similar events organised.

The population of the County in 1994 when it was established was approximately 208,000. It now stands at 238,835. The numbers of persons living in the county aged 65 and over is set to rise over the next number of years. Ms. Finn said this aging population offers both challenges and opportunities to the community. Working together the structures to address the changing needs of this segment of our population will be set in place. Much of the work with the elderly population in the County is carried out by volunteers all over the county and this is greatly appreciated by the people that that avail of the services and also by the local authority. South Dublin County Council has worked in partnership with many local organisations and statutory agencies to enhance the services to elderly people living in the county. Working together we can make South Dublin County a great place for people of all ages and abilities a great place to live.