The new Age Friendly Louth Strategy 2026-2031 was adopted by the Louth Age Friendly Alliance last week. The new strategy will guide the county’s approach to supporting older people over the next five years.
The strategy sets out a clear vision for making County Louth a place where people can age with confidence, independence, and dignity. It focuses on delivering practical improvements across key areas including housing, transport, public spaces, community participation, health, and access to services. The strategy aims to ensure older residents remain active, connected, and supported in their communities.
The Louth Age Friendly Alliance will drive the implementation of the strategy, ensuring a coordinated, county-wide response to the evolving needs of an ageing population. The Alliance brings together representatives from Louth County Council, the Older People's Council (OPC), the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána, and 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.
About Age Friendly Louth
Age Friendly Louth, hosted by Louth County Council, is part of the national Age Friendly Ireland Programme, which works to make communities more inclusive, supportive and responsive to the needs of older people. The programme brings local agencies, community organisations and older people together to improve services, promote participation and enhance quality of life across the county. Through initiatives, events and collaborative projects, Age Friendly Louth ensures that the voices and experiences of older people shape local planning, policy and service delivery.
