Publication of Waterford Walkability Audit helps 'demonstrate the value of community'

Age Friendly Waterford, in partnership with the Waterford Older People’s Council, are pleased to announce the publication of the Age Friendly Waterford Walkability Audit Report. This was created for Dungarvan Town Centre during a collaborative public realm workshop.

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

The Walkability Audit engaged local residents, disability advocates, older people, community organisations and service providers. The assessment of Dungarvan’s town centre was made 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 reflect real everyday use of the town’s streets and public spaces.

READ NEXT: Permission granted for apartments at rear of popular pub in Waterford city

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

Importantly, the audit sets out practical, achievable recommendations aimed at improving walkability and supporting inclusive participation in town life for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The findings provide a strong evidence base to inform future planning, public realm improvements and local decision-making.

Building on this work, the Age Friendly Ireland public realm workshop, led by Age Friendly Ireland and O’Herlihy Access Consultancy, brought together audit participants to prioritise key barriers and co-design solutions.

Facilitated by these consultants, the workshop outcomes will contribute to a forthcoming national age friendly public realm publication, ensuring that Dungarvan’s experience informs policy and practice at a national level.

Speaking on 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.

“Being part of the development of national guidelines positions Dungarvan as a leader in inclusive town planning. It ensures that the challenges and opportunities identified locally will help shape future public realm design across Ireland, ultimately benefiting communities far beyond our county,” she added. 

Age Friendly Waterford extends sincere thanks to all participants and partner organisations whose collaboration and lived experience were central to the success of the audit. 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 to view here. 

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