Age Friendly Louth strategy launched at community safety event in Dundalk

Age Friendly Louth has formally launched its new five-year Strategy, placing the needs, voices and wellbeing of older people at the heart of community planning and service delivery across the county.

The strategy was launched at a Community Safety Event hosted in partnership with the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) on Wednesday, 01 July at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk. The event brought together older people from Dundalk and North Louth, alongside statutory agencies and community organisations, to focus on key issues including road and community safety.

The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, formally launched the Age Friendly Louth Strategy at the event. Cllr Minogue said:

“The Age Friendly Louth Strategy represents our shared commitment to ensuring that Louth is a place where people can age with confidence, dignity and independence. Central to this strategy is listening to older people and acting on what matters most to them. Today’s event highlights how strong collaboration between agencies and communities can make a real and lasting difference to safety, wellbeing and quality of life.”

Commenting on the new Strategy Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD, said:

“County Louth has played a key role in shaping Ireland’s age-friendly movement and continues to lead by example. Louth’s new strategy provides a roadmap for age inclusive planning and service delivery across the county, which reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that older people remain active, connected and supported members of their communities. It celebrates the lives of older people and the social, cultural and economic contributions that they continue to make every single day.

“The Government greatly values the dedication of the Louth Age Friendly Alliance, the Older People’s Council and all community stakeholders involved in delivering this important work in Louth.”

Gavin Duffy, Age Friendly Ambassador for County Louth acted as MC at the Community Safety Event which brought together over 150 attendees including older people, members of the public, and community and voluntary groups from Dundalk and North Louth, providing a valuable opportunity for engagement, learning and collaboration.

Attendees enjoyed presentations from the Road Safety Authority, Louth Fire and Rescue Service, and An Garda Síochána who delivered expert advice and practical information. They were joined by more than 30 organisations supporting older people and communities in Dundalk and North Louth, including The Irish Red Cross, MABS, Louth Local Sports Partnership, Women’s Aid and a wide range of community and voluntary groups.

Speaking at the event, Sinead McVerry, Age Friendly Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, said:

“The launch of this strategy is a significant milestone for Age Friendly Louth. It reflects extensive collaboration with older people and partner organisations across the county. Community safety is a key priority identified by older people themselves, and today’s event demonstrates how working together can empower individuals with the knowledge, supports and confidence to stay safe and connected.”

Louth LCSP Coordinator with Louth County Council, Therese McArdle, added:

“The launch of this strategy is a significant milestone for Age Friendly Louth. It reflects extensive collaboration with older people and partner organisations across the county. Community safety is a key priority identified by older people themselves, and today’s event demonstrates how working together can empower individuals with the knowledge, supports and confidence to stay safe and connected.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.