14/05/2009
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED: 14th May 2009
On Monday 18th May 2009 at 11.00 am in the Big Picture (located beside the last Luas stop in Tallaght) Mayor Marie Corr will launch South Dublin County Council and Connects contribution to Bealtaine, the festival celebrating Creativity in Older Age. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age and Opportunity, the national organisation working to promote greater participation by older people in society. The name "Bealtaine" comes from the ancient Celtic festival of that name celebrating springtime, freshness and renewal. Todays event was organised by Connect in partnership with The Social Inclusion Unit and Community Services Department of South Dublin County Council.
The population of the County in 1994 when the Council was established was approximately 208,000. It now stands at 238,835. The number of persons living in the county aged 65 and over is set to rise over the next number of years. This aging population offers both challenges and opportunities to the community. Working together, the structures to address the changing needs of this section of our population can be set in place. Much of the work with the older population in the County is carried out by volunteers all over the county, and this is greatly appreciated both by the people that avail of the services and by the local authority. South Dublin County Council has worked in partnership with many local organisations and statutory agencies to enhance the services to older people living in the county.
As part of the celebration of Bealtaine, Connect and Community Services Department today announce the winners of a photographic competition, and launch two films. The photo competition concerns the theme of Positive Images of Older People in the Community, and received over 100 entrants, detailing the varied and full lives lead by older members of our community. This was also the theme of the two films, concerning the clients of Trustus, (formally known as Tallaght Welfare Society) in Tallaght, and Liscarne Court in Clondalkin.
Contact person:
Su Clarke
01 414900 ext 3380 / 086 6063688
sclarke@sdublincoco.ie