Walkability audit for County Waterford town is published

Age Friendly Waterford, in partnership with the Waterford Older People’s Council, announced the publication of the Age Friendly Waterford Walkability Audit Report for Dungarvan Town Centre during a recent collaborative Public Realm Workshop.

The workshop was hosted by Age Friendly Ireland and O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC), on Wednesday, February 25th, at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan.

A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said the audit engaged local residents, disability advocates, older people, community organisations and service providers in a practical assessment of Dungarvan’s town centre, using the Universal Design Walkability Audit Tool developed by the National Transport Authority.

The process gathered lived experiences from participants representing a wide range of ages and abilities, ensuring that findings reflected real everyday use of the town’s streets and public spaces.

Speaking about the publication, Claire Flavin, Age Friendly Waterford, said: “Dungarvan’s participation in this process represents a significant opportunity to ensure that the lived experiences of local people directly inform national Age Friendly public realm guidance."

"The insights gathered through the walkability audit demonstrate the value of community engagement in identifying practical, achievable improvements that support independence, dignity and inclusion," she said.

"Being part of the development of national guidelines positions Dungarvan as a leader in inclusive town planning," she added.

Ms Flavin also said being included in the guidelines development "ensures that the challenges and opportunities identified locally will help shape future public realm design across Ireland, ultimately benefiting communities far beyond our county".

The report highlighted Dungarvan’s many strengths as a compact, vibrant and attractive market town with strong community spirit and well-maintained public spaces. 

It also identified barriers affecting accessibility, safety and independence, including uneven surfaces, street clutter, crossing timings, insufficient accessible parking and the absence of a centrally located public toilet with changing places facilities.

The Council spokesperson said the audit set out practical, achievable recommendations aimed at improving walkability and supporting inclusive participation in town life for residents and visitors, regardless of age or ability.

"The findings provide a strong evidence base to inform future planning, public realm improvements and local decision-making," noted the spokesperson.

The public realm workshop, led by Age Friendly Ireland and OHAC, brought together audit participants to prioritise key barriers and co-design solutions.

Facilitated by OHAC consultants, the workshop outcomes will contribute to a forthcoming national Age Friendly Public Realm publication, meaning the findings from Dungarvan will inform policy and practice at national level.

Age Friendly Waterford expressed gratitude to all the participants and partner organisations whose collaboration and lived experience were central to the success of the audit. 

The Council spokesperson also said the publication of the report marks an important milestone in advancing Dungarvan’s ambition to become a fully inclusive, accessible and welcoming town for residents and visitors alike.

The report is available at https://bit.ly/walkabilityreportdungarvan. 

For further information please call 058-22035 or email agefriendly@waterfordcouncil.ie