Age Friendly Louth Hosts First Age Friendly Event of 2026 Focused on Road and Community Safety for Older People

Age Friendly Louth held its first major event of 2026 on 25 February in The Marcy Hotel, Drogheda, bringing together over 100 older people from Drogheda and South Louth to focus on Road Safety and Community Safety.

The event was organised in direct response to concerns raised by the Louth Older People’s Council (OPC) regarding the rising number of road fatalities and serious injuries involving older people. The OPC expressed a strong desire to take proactive action and raise awareness of safety risks affecting older road users.

Representatives from the Road Safety Authority, the HSE, DDS4OP, Louth Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Síochána Roads Policing, and Louth County Council’s Road Safety Officer delivered expert advice and practical information to attendees. They were joined by more than 20 organisations involved in supporting older people in Drogheda and South Louth, including: Civil Defence, the National Ambulance Service, Drogheda Community Services Centre, Louth Library Service, and many other community and voluntary groups.

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

“This event shows the real strength of the Age Friendly Programme—bringing agencies, services and older people together in one place for meaningful, in‑person engagement. When organisations collaborate, we can provide clear, practical supports that help older people stay safe, informed and confident in their communities. Today’s turnout reflects just how important these conversations are, particularly around road safety, where we know older people can be more vulnerable. Age Friendly Louth is committed to creating more opportunities like this throughout 2026.”

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.