Photography by Ciaran Culligan
Photo: Members of the Age Friendly Alliance mark the adoption of Louth Age Friendly Strategy 2026-2031 at County Hall, Dundalk.
A new Age Friendly Louth Strategy for 2026 to 2031 has been adopted by the Louth Age Friendly Alliance.
The strategy will help guide how the county supports older people over the next five years, with a focus on helping people age with confidence, independence and dignity.
It outlines plans for practical improvements across areas including housing, transport, public spaces, community participation, health services and access to supports.
The overall aim is to ensure older people across County Louth remain active, connected and supported within their communities.
The strategy will be implemented by the Louth Age Friendly Alliance, which brings together organisations and agencies from across the county to respond to the needs of an ageing population.
The alliance includes representatives from Louth County Council, the Older People’s Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and a range of community and voluntary organisations.
Speaking on the adoption of the strategy, Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“This new Age Friendly Strategy for the county sets a strong direction for the years ahead. It is about building a county where ageing is supported, respected and valued, and where older people can continue to live full and active lives as part of their communities.”
Rod Bond, Chairperson of the Louth Age Friendly Alliance added:
“An age friendly community is built on respect. Respect for lives lived and for lives still unfolding. When we invest in age friendly policies we invest in dignity and in connection, we invest in the kind of society that we would all hope to grow old in.”
The strategy has been shaped through extensive consultation and engagement with older people across the county. Members of the OPC, along with community, voluntary and statutory partners, played a central role in its development. Their lived experiences and insights have ensured the strategy reflects real needs and practical priorities.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council stated:
“Louth County Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all who live in our county, and this strategy is an important part of that work. Louth has been at the forefront of the age friendly movement since 2008, when we became the first local authority in Ireland to achieve recognition from the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This new strategy builds on that leadership and reaffirms our role in working with partners to deliver real, lasting improvements that make everyday life better for older people across Louth.”
The Age Friendly Louth Strategy 2026–2031 was adopted at a meeting of the Louth Age Friendly Alliance which took place on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at County Hall, Dundalk. The Strategy is available online at www.louthcoco.ie.
