New services a boost for older persons 

FINGAL County Council has announced the delivery of two services that give elderly people greater access to technology and public transport.

As part of the Fingal Age Friendly Initiative being implemented by Fingal County Council, Fingal Leadership Partnership and Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the ‘Computer Home Supports’ programme was launched recently.

This programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and its objective is to allow elderly people equal access to the benefits and convenience of the internet and technology. 

Delivered by the Department of Social Protection under the TÚS Scheme, users are taught by Garda-vetted tutors trained by the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board how to use computers in their own homes, free of charge.

Coinciding with the introduction of this scheme are three new bus routes – operated by rural transport provider LocalLink – which service Swords, Ballyboughal, Garristown and the Naul. 

During her speech at the launch of Fingal’s Age Friendly Initiative  in Swords, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley said: “Both the ‘Computer Home Support Service’ and introduction of new LocalLink bus routes are extremely valuable to older residents of Fingal. 

“In recent years, using online banking, skype and email has become second nature for many of us. The ‘Computer Home Support’ service will allow elderly people to benefit from these convenient online resources.

“I am confident that the introduction of the LocalLink bus routes and ‘Computer Home support’ services will allow Fingal’s older residents to stay connected with their communities.”

LocalLink Co-ordinator Miriam McKenna said the bus routes have been designed to meet the needs of people in rural areas.

“These new routes have all been identified to fill specific needs for commuters and bus users in Fingal, and are part of the greater network of LocalLink services,” said Ms McKenna.

“Apart from the three new routes, we are looking to hear from anyone who knows someone they feel could benefit from transport to hospital or health appointments, nursing home visits or social activities such as Men’s Sheds, active retirement groups or just going to a matinee in the cinema.  The key to LocalLink is access.

"Our users are people who could benefit from a door-to-door transport service, and we are asking people to contact us so we can support them in independent living.”