Crumlin
Village
AGE FRIENDLY TOWN
2014 REPORT
Collaborative Planning in Action
1
“
An Age Friendly Town is a town where the
community understands and responds to
the needs of older people.
”
Age Friendly Ireland
2
Contents
Executive Summary .....................5
Introduction ................................8
National Age Friendly Cities & Counties Programme .................................... 8
Objective, Scope and Structure.................................................................. 9
Strategic Plan Developed With Older People, Not For Them....................... 11
Age Friendly Town: Vision, Aims &
Outcomes ...................................11
Vision & Aims ......................................................................................... 11
National Age Friendly Outcomes .............................................................. 12
Organisational structure .......................................................................... 13
Research & Geographical Mapping
...................................................14
Town Profile ........................................................................................... 14
Mapping Hard & Soft Assets .................................................................... 17
Demographic Profile ............................................................................... 20
Consultation ..............................24
Consultation Methodology in Developing the ............................................ 24
On Street Consultation ............................................................................ 25
Walkability Audit ..................................................................................... 26
Stakeholder Interviews ........................................................................... 27
Focus Groups ......................................................................................... 29
3
Action & Implementation Plan ..31
4
Executive Summary
Crumlin Village has the benefits of a village setting in the heart of urban Dublin. As a
result of this strategic location Crumlin has developed a wonderful community spirit
with many local voluntary organisations and community meeting places.
Crumlin Village is an urban village with a population of 14660 persons. The
percentage of older persons over 80 is 4.6%, while there has been an increase of
14.4 % of persons over 55 between the 2006 and 2011 census. Alarmingly 27% of
the population of Crumlin is over 55 years old with is higher than the national
average of 23.4%. Recent population predications from the CSO predict that the
average rate of increase for older people will be 1.6% annually which could lead to
an above average percentage of persons over 55 in 2046. However it is the
projected growth of persons over 80, this is projected to rise from 128,000 to
470,000 persons nationally, an increase of 360%. If we consider that Crumlin has an
above average number of older persons over 55, this potential population growth
will have a huge impact on the quality of the built environment, housing and social
inclusion issues in the coming years.
The core village area centres on St. Agnes road, with the local shops and church and
the boundaries of Crumlin blend seamlessly into neighbouring similar urban areas
such as Walkinstown, Drimnagh and Kimmage. It is the distinct community soul that
separates Crumlin from its neighbours and gives Crumlin its sense of place and
identity. Crumlin is a largely residential built up area with a general housing stock
dating from the middle of the 20th century. The central core area of Crumlin houses
between 20-30% of the older person population with the 80+ persons occupying the
south west, and the 65-80 year olds more centrally located. This concentration of
older persons is an opportunity to target specific spatial areas to realise short term
actions.
The public consultations were an integral part of the collaboration process in Crumlin
and were well attended by older persons, so much so that the venues were always
packed and full of chat and ideas. A number of varying public consultations were
conducted in Crumlin which included in total over 100 older people. The quality of
information gleaned from older people was extremely important in forming the basis
of this report. Formal round table consultations to less formal walkability audits were
used and the research gathered was used to generate an accurate social profile of
Crumlin Village today. The findings of the various consultations such as the
walkability audits were used as baseline research to profile the town. The more
informal consultations allowed the older persons distinct voice to be recorded which
also helped in determining the issues that affect older people in Crumlin.
The older person’s voice in Crumlin is similar to other towns and villages in Ireland in
relation to the built environment issues – such as seats, roads, bins and paths and it
is clear that an improvement in these issues will result in an enhanced quality of life
5
for older people. For example a consistent recurring theme throughout the
consultations referred to the lack of public seating in Crumlin. The re-installation of
age friendly seating in appropriate locations has been a major success of the
programme to date and hopefully will be the catalyst for future installations of public
seating in Crumlin which will make the village more walkable and contribute to an
active and healthy lifestyle for older people.
Some innovative ideas such as dedicated age friendly parking areas could be
investigated along with other actions such as getting the physical bus shelters back
in place and finding out why the 150 bus route can’t pass by the Old County Health
Care Centre.
The issue of dog fouling, with the re-introduction of bins in the park and the
distribution of dog litter bags added to a positive poster campaign indicating the
dangers of dog fouling will have an impact on the lives of older persons.
The future installation of Tone Zone equipment and a possible location in Bunting
Park is a huge positive impact on age friendliness and without doubt the reintroduction of age friendly seats in the village has been a massive positive element
of this plan. However access to public buildings, more so around the approach to the
buildings rather than inside the actual building itself is a frustrating issue for older
people in Crumlin.
The softer issues were also high on the priority list for older people. Feeling safe out
and about in the village, easy access to local information, more collaboration from
stakeholders on transport issues and built environment issues is needed. The
obvious asset of the bank to older people has changed in recent times due to the
introduction of electronic banking and a “faceless” banking scenario exists now in
the AIB. This is not working well for older people and has a really debilitating impact
on their lives.
Some older people expressed a desire to avoid the bank as much as possible which
is a shame considering the location of the bank and the obvious benefits of older
people getting out and about in the village. It is hoped that this is not setting a trend
for the future and one of the actions in this plan is to try and form a relationship
with the bank to express the opinions of the older person and to see if an
accommodation can be made.
Implementation is now paramount in Crumlin and a steering committee should be in
place to help deliver the plan. It is important that the steering committee consists of
stakeholders who have a keen interest in implementing the plan. The minimum
impact this plan should have is to create an awareness of older person’s issues, a
record of their voice and what issues effect their lives. Any implementation of the
actions, such as the recent seats, would greatly improve the quality of older person’s
lives in the village.
6
The steering committee have some really valuable work to proceed with next year
towards making Crumlin Village age friendly but with plenty of public consultation
and collaboration, Crumlin Village has the capacity to develop into an extremely well
deserved age friendly village.
Crumlin – the need to be an ‘Age Friendly Town’
7
Introduction
This Age Friendly strategy for Crumlin was prepared by Age Friendly Ireland (a nonprofit organisation) on behalf of the older people in Crumlin, as part of the Age
Friendly Towns Initiative in the Dublin Region. It is important that this strategic plan
accurately identifies the positives and areas for improvement in Crumlin. It is hoped
that through the Age Friendly Towns initiative these challenges can be effectively
acted upon by the relevant stakeholders, agencies and organisations.
The following section will explain the context of developing an Age Friendly strategy
in Crumlin and states the wider Age Friendly Cities and Counties National
Programme; the overall aim and objectives of the strategy; identifies the key
stakeholders involved in the process and why the implementation of an Age Friendly
Strategy is important for older people living in Crumlin.
National Age Friendly Cities & Counties
Programme
The Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme (AFCCP) is an in initiative of the
Age Friendly Ireland and is aligned to the World Health Organisations (WHO) Age
Friendly Cities Programme which is operational in 33 towns and cities across the
world. The programme was established in response to the ageing population of
Ireland and a realisation that we need to start planning now for this unprecedented
demographic shift.
Within Ireland, the programme has already been adopted by 18 counties, with the
overall aim to make every county in Ireland ‘Age Friendly’. Dublin City Council signed
the Dublin Declaration on Age Friendly Cities and Communities, a World Health
Organisation initiative that commits signatories to becoming more age friendly.
Dublin City then signed up to begin the process to become an Age Friendly County in
2013 when the County Manager committed to the process. The programme is
8
managed by an Age Friendly Alliance group and is made up of the key decision
makers in the county including the CEOs of local partnership companies, the HSE,
the Chief Superintendent of the Gardaí and the Mayor.
Essentially, the AFCC programme engages with organisations who are currently
working with the community and looks to explore how they can better use current
resources to respond to the real issues for older people. To date, many initiatives
have been established under the programme which has made a real difference to
lives of older people in these communities.
The Age Friendly Towns (AFT) initiative falls under the AFCCP and is currently being
run for the second year in eight different towns across Ireland, the AFT initiative is
collaboration between Age Friendly Ireland and participating Local Authorities.
Objective, Scope and Structure
This document outlines an innovative and strategic approach to try and improve the
lives of all people in Crumlin by addressing the needs of one of the most vulnerable
groups in society, older people. The approach is built on the premise that
“If you design for the young you exclude the old, but if you design for the old
you include everyone.” G. Miller (2007) What drives quality of life for seniors? The Globe and Mail
The overarching aim of the process is to make Crumlin an ‘Age Friendly Town’, with
all the key agencies and organisations working together to promote and maintain
the best possible quality of life and health of older people and to make Crumlin itself
a great place to grow old in.
9
Illustrates the streetscape along St Agnes Road, Crumlin
Focus Group, Golden Year, WAFA Hall, Crumlin Village
10
Strategic Plan Developed With Older People,
Not For Them
A key attribute of this Age Friendly strategy is that older people were central to
devising the recommended actions. Through their responses and contributions
gained during the consultation process, participants raised various issues and
solutions which will be vital to developing the plan further and setting the priority
actions that will be implemented by the community and other relevant stakeholders.
This strategy was established from earlier consultations with older people and key
organisations working with them. It presents a vision of the new partnership and is
intended as a clear statement of aims and approaches, and an outline of practical
and cost effective ways to achieve them.
Age Friendly Town:
Vision, Aims & Outcomes
Vision & Aims
The Age Friendly Towns initiative is part of the wider national Age Friendly Cities and
Counties Programme (AFCCP), which is currently operational in 18 Local Authorities
Dublin City Council and is being rolled out nationally. The programme’s Vision is ‘to
make every county in Ireland a great place in which to grow old’.
The aims of the Age Friendly Towns Strategy are to:
Improve the quality of life of older people living in the area, particularly the
‘older’ old and the more isolated and lonely.
11

Engage older adults in shaping and enhancing their communities for the
benefit of everyone.

Benefit from a multi-stakeholder planning approach, informed and supported
by older adults.

Learn ‘what works’ in this context and use the findings to inform better
approaches to planning for older adults.
National Age Friendly Outcomes
Nine outcomes have been identified as being important components to creating an
Age Friendly Space.
Age friendly refers to a place where all of us as we age can:1. Lead healthier & active lives for longer
2. Stay living in our own homes and communities
3. Get to where we need to go, when we need to
4. Be enabled by the built and social environment
5. Feel and be safe at home and out and about
6. Have the information we need to live full lives
7. Be truly valued and respected
8. Participate in social, economic and public life
9. Continue to learn, develop and work
12
Illustrates the streetscape along St Agnes Road, Crumlin
Organisational structure
The Dublin Age Friendly County Strategy was launched in 2013. The Strategy, and
the very specific plans it contains, was developed by the Age Friendly County
Alliance, a newly-established partnership led by Dublin City County Council and
chaired by the County Manager.
The members of the Alliance are:

Tony Flynn, Chair and South Central Area Manager, Dublin City Council

Superintendent Ritchie Millea, An Garda Siochana

Declan McGonigle, Director National College Art and Design

Ciaran Reid, CEO, Ballyfermot Area Partnership

Alison King, Social Inclusion Officer, Dublin City Council

Mo Flynn, CEO, Harold’s Cross Hospice

Imelda Dooley, Health Service Executive

Pat Teahan, Local Area Co-Ordinator, Dublin City Council
Miriam Flynn, Community Development Officer, of Dublin City Council Crumlin Area
Office was entrusted with the role of coordinating the AFCC in
the Crumlin Area.
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Research &
Geographical Mapping
Town Profile
A desktop study of the area was commenced in May 2014 in order to compile a
profile of Crumlin Village. Official sources such as the Central Statistics Office (CSO)
website, My Plan, Pobal, AIRO and Dublin City Council’s website were consulted.
Information was also provided by Dublin City Council’s Crumlin Area Office, Planning
and Community Departments and Mapping and Surveying Department.
Other publically available sources such as the National Transport Association (NTA)
and Dublin Bus websites were also used to gather what transport links exist in
Crumlin Village.
14
Aerial view detailing Crumlin Village
The Village is located c 6.5 km south west of Dublin City Centre and 4km east of exit
9 on the M50 motorway, which encircles Dublin city. The project is focused around
Crumlin Village which includes the four electoral districts of Crumlin D; Kimmage A,
B & E and Wakinstown C. Crumlin is classified in the Dublin City Development Plan
2011-2017 as one of eight Key District Centres (KDCs). The KDCs serve the outer
city and are designed to provide a comprehensive range of commercial and
community services, to the surrounding population and are reflective of the regional
retail hierarchy.
15
OS Map of Crumlin Village (Study Area)
The study area for the purpose of this project is mainly focused around the main
thoroughfare of Crumlin St Agnes Road. The area is defined to the south east by the
intersection
of
Bunting
Road
and
Cromwellsfort
Road
which
incorporates
Walkinstown Library and Crumlin village’s main street St Agnes Road which is
demarcated by the Roman Catholic St Agnes Church to the East end and the Church
of Ireland St. Mary’s Church to the west end. The study area extends northwest
along Crumlin Road and includes Pearse Park, Old County Road. The northeast
boundary is defined by Sundrive Road, which stretches in a southerly direction and
meets Stannaway Road, Cashel Road and Ravensdale Park, which marks the eastern
boundary of the study area and finally links up with Kimmage Road Lower and then
on to Kimmage Road West, and eventually backs to Cromwellsfort.
16
Mapping Hard & Soft Assets
The village has a relatively compact spine stretching between the two churches at
the East and West end of St. Agnes Road and provides significant local services and
amenities, including Pearse park, AIB/Credit Union, Garda station, Dublin City
Council Area Office, An Post and restaurants and pubs. It is accessible by both road
and bus. The village is an established urban centre with a vibrant residential
community. The appeal of Crumlin Village, its age profile and wide range of
amenities and services support its significant potential to be a successful Age
Friendly Town.
The Village is served by the No. 150/123/18/83/17/77/27/151/122 bus services,
which services both city centre locations and cross radial routes to Tallaght and
Sandymount. However, the No. 150 bus was removed from Crumlin Road and rerouted to Kildare Road, which has caused considerable issues for the local older
residents. This has resulted in bus users having to cross Crumlin Road a major
arterial route into the city centre to access the Star Bingo hall and the Village of
Crumlin itself.
View of St Agnes Road from Dublin City Council’s, Crumlin Area Office
17
There is ample off-street car parking in the Village with parking for up to 162 cars
provided free of charge in the Church’s car park. On-street parking is provided along
the St. Agnes Road in the Village where ‘Pay and Display’ system is in operation.
The main services in the Village are clustered along St. Agnes Road, Old County
Road and Sundrive Road. The primary health centre is located on Armagh Road and
a main health centre on Old County Road with Crumlin Children’s Hospital located on
Crumlin Road. A number of chemists, GPs and dental practices are also located
within the study area. There are two main food stores located along St. Agnes Road
namely Tesco Express and Centra, the Post Office is located in Spar shop.
The Parish Centre is located on the grounds of St. Agnes Church, which is a great
resource for the village and local communities, with meeting rooms and a drop in
café after church and on weekdays. A day care centre, which supplies meals to local
residents, is situated in Lorcan O’Toole Centre. Walkinstown Library is located south
of the St Agnes road within the study area.
Crumlin is home to a number of sporting organisations and clubs including Crumlin
United, Crumlin Boxing Club and Swimming Pool located in Pearse Park, Crumlin GAA
and Pitch and Putt situated in Lorcan O’Toole Park, Crumlin Bowls located in St.
Mary’s Park and Walkinstown Athletic and a track and field park in Bunting Green.
Please see map below.
18
19
Demographic Profile
Crumlin Village has a population of c.14,660 at the last census in 2011 consisting of
47.7% males and 52.3% females.
This represents a decrease of 4% since the last census results in 2006. 4.6% of the
Crumlin population is aged 80+ years. This is considerably higher than the national
average increase for the cohort; nationally, the over 65 cohort grew by 14.4%
between 2006 and 2011. However, 27% of the Crumlin population are aged 55 or
over (3,958 persons), which is similar to the national figure (23.6%).
A total of 7.4% persons aged over 65 had a disability in 2011 Census. A total of
4.1% of the studies population provided regular unpaid personal help to a friend or
family member with a long-term illness, health problem or disability. 1
Crumlin’s Population with a
Disability
In line with national figures, the ratio of males to females is approximately 50:50 in
all cohorts with a total of 6,996 males and 7,664 females. Interestingly, as shown in
Central Statistics Office (2011) Census 2011 – Area Profiles. Website
source; http://census.cso.ie/areaprofiles/areaprofile.aspx?Geog_Type=ST&Geog_Code=35011
1
20
the population pyramid above, this ratio changes to 55:45 in favour of females in the
over 65 cohort with 1922 males and 2822 females. The population pyramid shows at
a glance how the population is structured in terms of males and females and the
proportions of younger and older people and at each age in between.
Crumlin’s Population Pyramid
The very high national birth rate in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which reached a
peak in 1980 with 74,064 births (today’s 31 and 32 year olds), is a strong
distinguishing feature of the graph, as is the sharp fall in births over the subsequent
15 year period reaching a low point in 1994 (today’s 17 and 18 year olds). The
recent recovery in births, particularly in the last four years, is also evident. The
pyramid shape from the 30 and over age groups reflect the effects of mortality as
the population grows older.
The maps below, extracted from CSO data, show the percentage concentration of
population within the study area. This map is of particular importance as it clearly
illustrates where the most vulnerable older people are in our society and where best
to
focus
services
and
assistance.
21
Percentage of Population within the Crumlin Area
22
Breakdown of Population – Crumlin – Dublin City Council - State
Location
State
Dublin County
Dublin City
Council
Crumlin Area
Total Population
2011
4,588,252
1,273,069
Population aged 5585+
998,701
257887
Population Aged 5585+ (%)
22
20
527,612
14660
113,671
3958
22
27
Table 1 above shows the breakdown of the population for Crumlin Village compared
to Dublin City Council and the State.
23
Consultation
Consultation Methodology in Developing the
Crumlin Age Friendly Strategy
The basis for developing this plan came from consultation with older people in
Crumlin and key service providers who assist older people. The recommendations
were established using four primary methods of consultation which include:1.
2.
3.
4.
On Street Consultation
Walkability Audit on the Physical Streetscape
Interviews with Key Stakeholders
Consultation with Older Representatives
The following will explain the process under the consultation methods outlined
above and summarise the findings to date:-
Shows the provision of good paving in Crumlin, St Agnes Road
24
On Street Consultation
As part of the consultation process for the Age Friendly Town initiative on-street
survey was administered on St. Agnes Road outside in Crumlin Village on the 14th
May 2014 from 9.30am to 2pm. Two planners administered the survey on the day.
After
discussion
community
with
officers
a
local
position
outside Tesco Express was chosen,
as this location would where target
the highest footfall. An outdoor
office area was set up with the AFI
banner with two table and chairs
this provided a good visual effect
and drew attention to the survey.
The survey was not a random
sample of the population of over
55s in the Crumlin Area but it was
used to gather a representation
from each of the age groups and
highlighted some of the major
issues
affecting
the
area.
The
results were used to provide a base
line of information for the ongoing
evaluation of the success of the
Outdoor Office as
part of the on-street
surveys. St. Agnes
Road, Crumlin
Age Friendly Town Plan in Crumlin.
25
Walkability Audit
A total of 17 older volunteers took part in two separate walkability audits in
Crumlin on the 24th June 2014. Age Friendly Ireland is partnered with the Centre for
Excellence in Universal Design. This was very beneficial as we could use their indepth knowledge to maximize the results of the walkability.
Reviewing the Village Sign as part of the walkability audit in Crumlin
A total number of 5 routes were chosen with individual routes varying from 540m to
720m and were identified in advance and plotted on a map (see below). Three
routes were identified around St Agnes Road as this was highlighted as an area of
highest footfall. Route 1 went from Ashleaf Shopping Centre along St. Agnes Road to
the Post Office Sorting Office. Route 2 went from the Post Office Sorting Office along
St. Agnes Road to St. Marys Church. Route 3 went from the Sorting Office to
Walkinstown Library along Moreran Road. Route 4 followed the length of Old County
Road and finally Route 5 went from Clonmacnoise senior citizens complex to
Sundrive Road. To access Routes 4/5 Old County Road/Colnmacnoise An Garda
Siochana provided a bus.
26
Volunteers were sourced locally with the help of Dublin City Council community
workers, Rathmines Pembroke Area Partnership and DMAP. With regard to the
walkability audit, the volunteers were briefed on the purpose of undertaking the
walkability audit and the importance of identifying the positive and potential areas
for improvement in the village. They were also notified about the reasons for
undertaking the audit. Following the presentation the volunteers were split into three
groups and were given c. 1.5 hours to complete their assigned routes and return to
the community centre. On their return an open discussion took place to gather initial
responses and surveys were completed, followed by tea and sandwiches. The
results are incorporated into the Action and Implementation Plan in the following
chapters of this report.
Highlighting poor paving as part of the walkability audit in Crumlin
Stakeholder Interviews
From the initial research undertaken to highlight possible members of the Crumlin
Steering Committee a number of key local stakeholders were identified for one to
one consultations. A total of 8 individual and groups were approached representing
27
the relevant agencies. These included Community and social workers from Dublin
City Council; Rathmines Pembroke Area Partnership; Dublin 12 Disability Mainstream
Access Project (DMAP), St. Vincent de Paul (SVP), An Garda Siochana, Lorcan
O’Toole Day Care Centre and Local Businesses. Interviews were untaken in an
informal manner, however all interviews followed the same line of enquiry.
Before initiating the interview a brief introduction and overview of the Age Friendly
Towns initiative was given to the stakeholders. An outline was given of the key
organisations that AFI would be collaborating with in the Crumlin area. The fourstage process was explained in relation to the Crumlin area; Stage 1 Set-up; Stage 2
Audit and Consult; Stage 3 Plan; Stage 4 Implement and Review.
Stakeholder interview in Lorcan O’Toole Day Care Centre, Crumlin
The nine national outcomes of the Age Friendly Town initiative were outlined and
the stakeholders identified the most important priority outcomes that were discussed
in greater details. Stakeholders were also asked the following questions:

Do you think Crumlin is a good place in which to grow old in?

What are the main issues facing older people in Crumlin on a daily basis that
you have experienced through your professional/personal life?
28

What improvements would you make that would have the greatest effect on
the daily lives of older people in Crumlin?
Specific questions were asked in relation to the interviewee’s area of expertise. All
issues raised with regards to the stakeholder interviews have been represented
within the Action and Implementation in the following contained within this report.
Focus Groups
Consultations took place with a number of focus groups across the Crumlin area over
the first week of July 2014. A number of groups were approached these included;
Crumlin/Walkinstown Golden Years; Crumlin Active Retirement Group; Lorcan
O’Toole Day Care Centre and Dublin 12 Disability Mainstream Access Project
(DMAP). In total 38 people were consulted during the focus group interview process.
Before imitating the focus groups a brief introduction and overview of the Age
Friendly Towns initiative was given to the stakeholders. An outline was given of the
key organisations that AFI would be collaborating with in the Crumlin area. The fourstage process was explained in relation to the Crumlin area; Stage 1 Set-up; Stage 2
Audit and Consult; Stage 3 Plan; Stage 4 Implement and Review.
Focus Group interview in WSAF Hall, Crumlin
29
Larger groups were divided into groups of no bigger than 10 and a facilitator
appointed to each group to take notes of issues arising. During all focus group a
standard recording sheet was used to ensure standardisation of all interviews. The
name of the group; venue; date; number in group; record of any disability in the
group; number of males and female and the number in each age grouping was
recorded. The focus group covered all the nine national outcomes of the Age
Friendly Town initiative and the focus groups discussed all priority issues under each
heading.
The information from the focus groups are incorporated into the Action and
Implementation Plan in the following chapters of this report.
One of the new public seats in Crumlin Village
30
Action &
Implementation Plan
The following sets out a number of recommendations, which came directly from on
street surveys, consultation with older people stakeholders and from carrying out the
walkability audits. The information captured highlights both the priority issues raised
by individuals as well as recommendations to address these concerns. From an
implementation perspective, the report has divided the recommendations into short
and long term actions.
For the purpose of this programme, short term is defined as those projects that we
feel can begin to be implemented over the lifetime of the Age Friendly Towns
programme, i.e. until the end of 2014. Those deemed as long term projects will be
adopted and managed as part of the broader Age Friendly County programme which
will enter implementation phase in 2015.
During the consultation process, the nine established outcomes were reduced to four
outcomes as selected by the stakeholders in Crumlin.
31
1
Outdoor spaces
& Buildings
Goal at City Level
Ensure that the design, maintenance and redevelopment of outdoor spaces and
buildings are in line with current best practice in accessibility for older people
Your Voice
“There is terrible seating in the Crumlin Area”
“Many of the routes are blocked in Crumlin as a result of cars parked on
pavements, bins left out all day or hedges overgrowing the path”
“Footpaths are in bad repair all over Crumlin, DIY Dishing is a nightmare
for me when I am in my chair”
“Dog foul is seriously bad, I get it on my hand and then bring it into my
house”
Overview
This section gives an overview of the key issues and challenges that emerged under
the outdoor spaces and buildings (WHO) theme as part of the various consultations
undertaken in Crumlin Village. The feedback from the public consultations in relation
to outdoor spaces and buildings were one of the most discussed themes. Crumlin
Village has an obvious community spirit and the built environment issues raised at
consultation stage effect not just older persons, but all persons. Over the years
seating and bicycle stands have been removed from the village, mostly because of
anti-social behaviour issues, and have never been replaced. It was clear that there
was a real need for public seating in the village core area. During the process of this
plan 2 seats were installed in strategic locations and have been an overwhelming
32
success, such a success in fact that there is now a real enthusiasm to install more
seats. The design of the seats are age friendly and are located in an area with a nice
micro-climate. After 3 months the seats have not been victim to vandalism or antisocial behaviour, which is very promising. Part of the consultation process allowed
participants to place pins in maps to show where the priority for seating is required.
The results of this consultation process could be used when discussion on locations
for seating arises.
Further innovative ideas such as rapid rest areas and leaning posts were also
discussed at consultation stage, which might be a little aspirational at this stage but
is a direction that the older persons wish to go in the future.
Other issues raised at consultation stage was the reintroduction of dog fouling bags,
a major problem in Crumlin Village, a potential need for an additional pedestrian
crossing near the Rockmeade older persons home, and a review of disabled parking
spaces with a view to investigating the needs for older persons parking spaces.
These innovative ideas need to be piloted at first to fully understand the impact and
need of the ideas but the consultation to date has clearly shown a potential for
action.
Crumlin is well served by local voluntary groups such as but not limited to LinkAge
and DMAP, two excellent working groups, and these groups may be central to
improving the built environment for older persons. Existing problems such as overgrowing hedges, DIY footpath dishing , visual clutter and insensitive parking of
vehicles all rate high on the priority lists of issues effecting older persons and it is
intended to produce a publication to help highlight these issues to residents and
business owners. It is hoped that some recognition system could be put in place to
reward and recognise changes in attitude and behaviour on these issues that affect
older persons and this publication would be beneficial in attaining this change in
mind-set.
33
Issue
Action
Timeline
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
To re-introduce public seating in Install age friendly style seats in 2014 & 2015
Crumlin Village
appropriate locations
Lead
Organisations
DCC
Reintroduce dog fouling bins Install dog dirt bags in appropriate 2015
and distribute dog litter bags in locations
the village, create a positive
poster campaign to promote
awareness of the health issues
associated with dog fouling
DCC
Design
and
distribute
an This document could be delivered to 2015
information booklet to include the residents of Crumlin the village
develop a recognition system.
relaying the impact of issues raised
during the consultation process such
as insensitive parking, overgrowing
hedges etc.
Steering Committee
Status
Complete
34
Issue
Action
Timeline
Long-Term (3-5 Years)
Review the disabled parking The consultation process showed a 2015/2017
spaces requirement in Crumlin need for older person’s parking spaces,
and the location of these spaces an initiate worth considering by the
incoming steering committee.
An additional pedestrian crossing was
Investigate the possibility of an a recurring theme in the public 2015/2017
additional pedestrian crossing in consultation process and an area
the village
outside the Rockmeade Older Persons
Housing area has been identified as a
possible location for a new pedestrian
crossing
Lead
Organisations
Status
Age Friendly
Steering Committee
Steering Committee,
DCC.
35
2
Transportation
Goal at City Level
Ensure that public transport in Dublin City is appropriate for older people
Your Voice
“There is no problem with Bus Shelters as there are no bus
shelters”
“Cars parking on footpaths means I have to go out on a busy road
to get by, this is not safe”
“I miss the 150 route to the Old County Health Centre – why was
it re-routed?”
“Dog foul is seriously bad, I get it on my hand and then bring it
into my house”
“Able bodied people abuse the use of disabled parking spaces”
36
Overview
Being so close to Dublin City has many benefits to residents of Crumlin, especially
older residents. The city centre holds an attraction to older people in Crumlin for a
variety of reasons ranging from retail to social. However getting into the city can be
hard for many older people and Crumlin’s hard assets in terms of transport is
limited. There is only one bus shelter in Crumlin- the rest being removed due to
vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The timing trip’s to the city centre has been
very accurate in inclement weather. Due to the unexpected success of the new seas,
perhaps it is time to re-install the shelters.
Insensitive parking by people in places causes much distress to older people in the
village. An action for an awareness project in the form of a publication would benefit
this issue. A review of disabled spaces and maybe a pilot project into the age
friendly parking concept would also impact positively on older people’s lives. The
local community Gardaí will need to be a major stakeholder to realise this objective.
Local bus routes, the 150 in particular, used to pass and stop outside the Old County
Health Centre. This route was changed with very little notice given to the public and
no collaboration with locals who were the main users of this route. The re-routing of
the 150 bus route upset many older persons and it was requested numerous times
at consultation stages to investigate the possibility of re-routing the 150 route.
Further issues, more long term and of a higher order included the discussion of
having a branch line from the LUAS or even a localised bus to the nearest LUAS in
Drimnagh. Whilst obviously a very aspirational action, when the population density
of Crumlin is examined coupled with the location of the Children’s hospital, the idea
does not seem so farfetched and is worthy of some investigation or feasibility study.
37
Issue
Action
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
To pilot project an Age Friendly Local authority and parking wardens to work together to
Parking Area in the village.
pilot an age friendly parking area to determine if such an
innovation would be welcome as a long term solution to
accessibility and social inclusion in the village.
Re-install the bus shelters
Medium-Term (2-3 Years)
Engage in discussions with
Dublin Bus to understand the
implications of a possible ReRoute the 150 bus
Timeline
2015
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee,
DCC, Gardaí.
Collaborate with the transport authority in relation to the
possibility of the re-installation of more bus shelters
2015
Steering Committee,
DCC, Dublin Bus
The reasoning behind the new route of the 150 bus 2015/2016
needs to be investigated and a nominated group to
investigate the possibility of a return to the original
route.
Steering Committee,
Dublin Bus.
38
3
Own Homes &
Communities
Goal at City Level
Ensure that facilities, services and supports are available to assist older people to
remain living in their communities.
Your Voice
“I want to stay living in my home as long as possible”
“I had no support in adapting my home”
“I have home help but 30mins is not enough, I depend on
my family for help”
Overview
Older people in Crumlin Village want to stay living in their own homes for as long as
they can. Throughout the project it was apparent that support mechanisms can be
put in place to allow this to happen, if a cross functional multi collaborational
process is acknowledged. Many of the issues raised by older persons are top down
actions closely aligned to the Dublin City Strategy. Hence the actions included in this
section
are
more
long
term
actions.
39
Issue
Action
Timeline
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
Design an information pack for Have a dedicated section of the publication with 2015
older persons
specific information for older persons such as important
phone numbers, home help contacts etc.
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
Medium-Term (2-3 Years)
Work with stakeholders to ensure
that older people in need of
home help hours get the hours
they need
Identify the persons that require the additional hours 2016/2017
as a priority and liaise with public representatives or
other relevant stakeholders in attempting to achieve
the action
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
Long-Term (3-5 Years)
Feasibility
and
collaboration
survey to determine the need for
and location of an older persons
resource centre
Map and compile existing hard and soft assets for older 2015/2018
persons and undertake a desk top feasibility study and
public collaboration survey on the requirement of a
dedicated older person resource centre
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
40
4
Be Truly Valued
& Respected
Goal at City Level
To foster opportunities to generate intergenerational meetings, further education
and continued learning, more “community get together” and reduce the possibility
of loneliness and isolation in the home for older persons
Your Voice
“We have a responsibility to look after the most vulnerable in the
society; everyone is part of the same community”
“Service Companies are terrible to deal with”
“Sometimes I feel younger people don’t see me”
Overview
The issue of intergenerational meetings was a recurring theme raised at public
consultation stage and also within discussions with older persons. The overall
opinion of older persons was that few if any opportunities exist for older persons to
meet and chat with younger persons.
Service companies, generally trying to convince an older person to use their services
were also an issue for older persons, especially cold callers and outside normal
hour’s callers which unsettles older people in their homes.
41
Issue
Action
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
To survey younger people for the interest to Develop a working relationship
support intergenerational meetings
representatives of the local schools
Service Companies and the Older Person
Timeline
with 2015
To develop a service company charter
around dealings between the service 2015
companies and older persons
Medium-Term (2-3 Years)
To undertake a pilot programme with the local Determine the level of interest from both 2015/2016
schools to investigate the opportunities for parties and the support for an
intergenerational meetings
intergenerational project
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
Steering Committee
and schools
42
5
Social, Economic &
Public Life
Goal at City Level
Create more and better opportunities for older people to participate in the
social, economic and political life of the city
Your Voice
“I can’t participate in public life due to poor access, I can’t access
any parks, Gardaí Station, many public buildings and Church”
Overview
The walkability audits conducted in Crumlin Village had one major recurring issue –
accessibility. The work of DMAP is well known in the area and it was apparent that
DMAP will be a major stakeholder in improving the accessibility of the village for
everyone which will include older people. An awareness campaign needs to be
projected, highlighting the issues in Crumlin Village and the actions required to
improve accessibility. As a result of the walkability audits, one definite action, if
implemented will greatly improve awareness of the specific issues and will lead to an
improvement
in
accessibility
in
Crumlin
Village.
43
Issue
Action
Timeline
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
Improve accessibility to public Using the baseline of the walkability audits, conduct further 2015
buildings in Crumlin Village
consultation and surveys to prioritise buildings in need of
improvements.
Medium-Term (2-3 Years)
Monitor
progress
of Continue to update walkability audits and liaise with 2016
improvement works to public stakeholders such as DCC.
buildings.
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee
and stakeholders
Steering Committee
and
Community
Welfare Department
44
6
Information to Lead
Full Lives
Goal at City Level
Provide user friendly, reliable and coordinated information in a way which suits the
needs of older people with a focus on “no wrong door” interactions
Your Voice
Older people are being forced to live a certain way, you don’t
know what you need until you need it”
“Service companies are terrible, I hate dealing with them”
Overview
Again the service companies is a recurring theme in the issues affecting older
persons, however it is the feeling of frustration expressed by older persons in their
need for information at times least expected, is a need that can be achieved by the
steering committee.
45
Issue
Action
Timeline
Service Companies and the To develop a service company charter around dealings 2015
Older Person
between the service companies and older persons
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee.
HSE, Gardaí and
DCC
46
7
Learn, Develop
& Work
Goal at City Level
Develop and support opportunities for older people to access formal
and informal learning and to continue to work in a paid or voluntary
capacity if they so wish
Your Voice
“We are the forgotten generation in terms of technology.”
Overview
Generally the older persons who contributed to the consultation process expressed
opinions on people they knew or friends, who were left behind in terms of
technology. Examples such as the AIB becoming a faceless bank with automated
tellers, rather than an actual person, is a concern for older people. The feelings of
the older persons should be relayed to the bank, which perhaps might have a
desirable outcome.
47
Issue
Action
Timeline
Short-Term
(0 - 1 Years)
To inform AIB of the Representatives from the steering committee to formally write 2015
feelings of their older to representative of AIB and request a meeting to relay the
customers
feelings of disappointment of older person in relation to the
current perceived policy of automated banking facilities
Medium-Term
(2-3 Years)
To continue to monitor To collate information and conduct yearly surveys in relation 2016/2017
and record any similar to technology changes and the impact on older persons in
issues
with
other Crumlin
commercial institutions
Lead
Organisations
Steering Committee
Steering Committee
48
8
Healthier & Active
Lives for Longer
Goal at City Level
Ensure older people have access to appropriate health services and to agefriendly arts, leisure, sports and recreational services, as well as to the
information they need for healthy and active living.
Your Voice
“We have no dedicated fitness centre”
Overview
Older people like keeping fit and there are some nice large parks in Crumlin Village.
Tone Zone equipment has been purchased and a site identified in Bunting Park and
the Tone Zone will be installed in 2015. There are a number of local gyms in the
area that should be contacted with a view to determining older persons keep fit
classes.
49
Issue
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
Investigate the possibility of
another tone zone area,
possibly covered, in an area
identified by older persons
Medium-Term
(2-3 Years)
Approach all local gyms and
health centres in Crumlin
Village to encourage age
friendliness.
Action
Timeline
Lead
Organisations
Status
Research the impact of the tone zone in 2015
Bunting Park and amend or improve the
model for another location. Public
collaboration in relation to style and
location is a priority.
DCC, local sports Equipment
partnerships,
purchased, to
steering committee
be installed.
Inform and collaborate with local fitness 2016/2017
centres to determine the requirement for
an age friendly area in their premises.
Encourage the attainment of Age Friendly
Business status.
Steering Committee
& DCC
50
9
Safe at home & Out
and About
Goal at City Level
Ensure that older people feel and are safe in their homes and when
out and about in Dublin City
Your Voice
Even when I am on my own I lock myself in, I make sure all the
doors and windows are closed”
“I don’t feel safe at night”
“There have been a lot of break-ins in Crumlin”
“We need more Gardaí on the Street”
Overview
The Gardaí in Crumlin Village are well respected by the older people in the town. It
would appear that the Gardaí have made a real impact on the lives of older persons.
The Gardaí are working on extremely tight budgets and timelines and it may not be
possible to get more Gardaí on the street however to try and combat this a “Say
Hello” campaign would be very beneficial to the older people of Crumlin Village and
the main driver of this campaign should be the Gardaí and the business community.
The “Say Hello” campaign has been shown to be very active in town in Ireland and
the UK, and the campaign has been shown to promote social inclusion, reduce crime
and vandalism and improve the quality of lives of older persons. The steering
committee should encourage the roll out of this policy. This one action has the
potential to greatly change the lives of older persons in Crumlin Village and may also
have
a
beneficial
impact
collaterally
in
Crumlin
Village.
51
Issue
Action
Timeline
Short-Term (0 - 1 Years)
To develop a “Say Hello” campaign Work with local stakeholders and the 2015
in Crumlin Village
media to create a “Say Hello” campaign
Medium-Term (2-3 Years)
To continually stress the requirement
for Gardaí on the street and the
implication for older persons when
funding curtails Garda presence.
To continually inform the Gardaí of the 2015/2018
needs of older people to connect
visually with on street Gardaí and its
importance to older persons quality of
life
Lead
Status
Organisations
Gardaí,
Local
Business’s, Steering
Committee.
HSE,
Gardaí and DCC
Steering Committee,
Gardaí and DCC
52
Next Steps
Crumlin Village has a very well developed community spirit and the soul of Crumlin
Village has the capacity to greatly impact and improve the lives of older people in
the village. An exhaustive action plan could well overwhelm the current hardworking,
stretched stakeholders, and as a result some achievable actions have been included
in this plan which hopefully can be incorporated into the existing framework
structure in place in Crumlin Village. An enthusiastic hardworking steering committee
could well help Crumlin Village to be an Age Friendly Village.
53