International Literature Festival Dublin

Dublin’s annual celebration of the best of Irish and international literary talent

Growing Together: Building Better Cities for Early Years

Join an informative session organised by Dublin City Council which explores practical and creative ways we can work together to make Dublin a better city for toddlers and their caregivers.

Archived Event

Age :

18+

Date :

Fri 17 May 2024

Time :

14:00

Venue :

Merrion Square Park - Synge

Price :

Free, booking required

If you’ve ever attempted to navigate the city with a toddler in tow, you know that it’s not always the easiest experience. URBAN95 Academy and Dublin City Council have been working together to explore the many ways in which we can work together to make Dublin a better city for toddlers and their caregivers, because cities that work for young children, work for everyone.

By engaging with experts in early learning, artists, and local leaders, URBAN95 Academy aims to help city planners, designers, and other urban professionals working for local government understand how their work impacts early childhood development.

If you are a parent or caregiver and would like to hear about the findings from a recent survey and the outputs of artistic responses to this topic, join us for an interactive session as part of International Literature Festival Dublin. Throughout the course of the festival, several artists will be showcasing the work they have made with and for early years children that can help make city life a better experience for everyone, regardless of age.

 

 

From 13:00
 Buggy Assault Course

Do you fancy yourself a whizz with a buggy? Have you navigated the rough terrain of Dublin city? Have you finished with baby and buggy intact? Sign up for The Buggy Assault Course by Michelle Browne where you are invited to compete in a course that tests your buggy dexterity and skills. The overall winner will be announced at the end of the day and prizes will be awarded! Buggies can be provided (but not children)! Sign up station outside the Synge marquee from 1:00 pm!

 
14:00 -14:30  MC: Mary MacSweeney 

Welcome: Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste 

Keynote speaker: Simon Battisti

Representing Urban95 Academy and Executive Director at Qendra
Marrëdhënie | Transforming streets for thriving childhoods 
 

14:.30-15:00

  

Your Dublin, Your Voice – Presentation 

Delve Research presents findings from a city-wide survey targeting
caregivers of babies and toddlers in Dublin city.
 

15:00 – 15:15

  

Reflections on Dublin City from Babies, Toddlers, and Caregivers

Michelle Browne – Listening to the City II 

Lucy Hill – Archive of Loved Stuff 
 

15:15- 15:30

  

Break 
 

15:30 -15:45

  

Reflections on Dublin City from Babies, Toddlers, and Caregivers

Helen Barry – Sculptunes in the Park 

Orla Kelly – Mapping My City 
 

15:45 – 16:15

  

Shaping the City for Babies, Toddlers and Caregivers – Panel Discussion 

How Dublin City Council programmes currently work for babies, toddlers,
and their caregivers. 
 

16:15 – 16:45

  

Building a Better City – Creating a manifesto for a toddler friendly Dublin 

Facilitated by Cllr Cat O’Driscoll this session includes audience participation
to begin to map out a Manifesto for Dublin City.
 

16:50 – 17:00

  

Closing remarks by Mary MacSweeney 

 

Presented in partnership with URBAN95 Academy & Dublin City Council.