A discount card scheme providing free access to public facilities for Dublin's older community was launched by Lord Mayor of Dublin today.
The "Passport for Leisure" is aimed at getting Dublin's older residents involved in recreational and leisure activities in Dublin and offers discounts for people aged over 55 to services including leisure centres, swimming pools, golf, travel and shopping.
At a conference, Celebrating Ageing; Grasping Opportunity, Lord Mayor Vincent Jackson said the Council's vision was for older people to live in an inclusive, safe environment that is accessible and appropriate to their needs.
Dublin Lord Mayor Vincent Jackson
The cards, which cost €5 and can be applied for at the website passportforleisure.ie, are part of a wider push by the City Council to establish itself as an advocate for older people.
An Office for Ageing and Older People has been established by the City Council and officials, with particular responsibility for the needs of older people, are being employed in each of its area offices.
The council is also installing computers with Internet access at 12 of Dublin City Council's older person's sheltered housing complexes, providing Internet and email training, he said.
"The Passport for Leisure scheme is a great initiative for older people to stay involved or get involved in a new pastime from the huge range of leisure and recreational opportunities now available throughout our city," Mr Jackson said.
The council is also compiling a database of people who can utilise the skills of older people or those making the transition from the work force towards retirement.
"We choose the kind of city we want to live in and if we want more community development and a good quality of life for older people in the city, people will have to get involved in it and we want them to sign up for the database, so we can match skills with identified needs," he added.