Page 16 - Active Retirement Ireland 2015_

Past, Present & Future

In 1978 an exhibition called News of the success of that first association
“Focus on Retirement” in Dun Laoghaire quickly spread to other
was held in Dun Laoghaire districts resulting in the establishment of
and this engendered a new associations. By 1985 there were 23 Active
great deal of interest and Retirement Associations, one in Waterford, one in
led to the formation of Wicklow, the remainder being in the Dublin area.
the first Active Retirement
Association (ARA) in the In 1983 a professional study of Dun Laoghaire ARA had
country. concluded that there was great potential for Active Retirement
Associations.“The active retirement associations should consider
the formation of a Federation of Active Retirement Associations.
The formation of a Federation would create a closer bond
between the associations and provide opportunities for the
sharing of experiences and ideas, which would be especially
helpful for the newer associations. In addition, such a Federation

14 Active Retirement Ireland