Ballymore Eustace becomes Ireland’s first Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village
Launched by Tánaiste and Minster for Finance, Simon Harris TD with Cathaoirleach Cllr Carmel Kelly, delivering walkability upgrades, an accessible River Walk and climate action.
Kildare County Council today officially launched the Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village initiative in Ballymore Eustace. The launch was led by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD, in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, together with local community representatives and project partners.
Following the 2016 Census, Kildare County Council selected Ballymore Eustace for the Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village project, as the village has a higher proportion of older residents than many other parts of the county. Working with the local community, barriers to safe walking were identified through a walkability audit and practical accessibility improvements delivered. Works also included upgrades to the River Walk, with improved surfacing and new accessible viewing platform, making around 800 metres of the route easier for everyone to use. These improvements support more people, especially older people and people with disabilities, to take part in village life and enjoy shared outdoor spaces.
This work was supported through a range of funding sources, including Local Property Tax, the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (funded by the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth), the Kildare Age Friendly Programme and other Kildare County Council community grants.
As part of the wider community-focused initiative, plants from this year’s Bloom garden were secured for Ballymore Eustace, following a nomination by Kildare Age Friendly. The Support Garden, designed by Joe Eustace, highlights the personal journey of planning ahead, with themes of strength, trust and care. Inspired by the Bloom concept, a local version of the garden has been created in Ballymore Eustace, reflecting Age Friendly design, sustainability, biodiversity and nature.
The garden includes a salmon centrepiece reflecting the local river and biodiversity, a living willow arch at the entrance, and a boulder symbolising time. A universally accessible seating area has been designed with older residents in mind. The planting is pollinator-friendly, the surrounding area is managed for wildlife, and the garden is intended to be low-maintenance. Four trees represent the seasons and the journey through life, with the first planted today by John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD said: “I am delighted to be in Kildare today for the launch of Ireland’s first ever Age Friendly, Climate Friedly Village. Ballymore Eustace is setting a powerful example for communities right across Ireland to follow. This initiative demonstrates how we can create places that are not only more inclusive for older people and those with disabilities, but also more sustainable and resilient for future generations. I want to commend Kildare County Council and the people of Ballymore Eustace for their leadership and achievement. This is a model that can inspire towns and villages the length and breadth of the country to become more age friendly, more climate friendly, and ultimately better places to live, work, visit and raise a family.”
Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly said: “This project in Ballymore Eustace shows what can be achieved when a community and its local authority work together. By improving walkability and access, including the upgraded River Walk, we are helping older people, people with disabilities and families to enjoy the village more safely and comfortably. It is also a practical example of how local actions can support climate resilience and a better public realm for everyone.”
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council commented: “Becoming Age Friendly is about practical, everyday changes that help people live well: safer walking routes, places to rest, and accessible public spaces and services. Bringing complimentary Age Friendly and Climate Friendly objectives together reinforces the importance of both and shows that communities can be age friendly whilst adapting and responding to climate change.”
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service added: “I am delighted to be here today to support the launch of Ireland’s first Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village in Ballymore Eustace and to celebrate this milestone with the community. It’s wonderful to see Ballymore Eustace leading the way with such a forward-thinking initiative, creating a village that truly values inclusivity and sustainability. This launch marks an important step in building communities that are welcoming to all generations, while also paving the way for a more climate-conscious future. I am very pleased that the Tánaiste Simon Harris is officially launching the village, which further highlights the significance of this achievement and the commitment to making Ireland’s communities more Age Friendly and environmentally aware”.
