Kilkenny County Council launches new Age Friendly Strategy

Kilkenny County Council has announced the official launch of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2028, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older people across the county.

Community consultations were conducted to gather insights and feedback, shaping a strategy grounded in the real experiences and needs of older adults.

The strategy focuses on housing, transport, health services, social inclusion and safety to support active, healthy ageing.

This is the third Age Friendly Strategy for Kilkenny, building on previous iterations since 2010.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, launching the strategy, said: “This is a commitment to action and it is a testament to our collective effort to create a community where older people feel valued, empowered and supported. Together, we will work to ensure Kilkenny remains a great place to grow older.”

Kilkenny has been recognised for several Age Friendly initiatives, including the first Age Friendly city, hospital, train station, hotel and shopping centre in Ireland.

Developed in collaboration with the Kilkenny Age Friendly Alliance, local communities, service providers and older people, the strategy outlines a series of targeted actions across key areas such as housing, transportation, social participation and civic engagement.

Nickey Brennan, Kilkenny’s Age Friendly Ambassador, said: “I welcome the launch of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy and commend all those who contributed to the development of the plan. The vision for our Age Friendly Programme has always been for all of us to live and grow old in the comfort and safety of our own homes.” 

“That vision remains as relevant today as it was over a decade and a half ago when Kilkenny commenced its age-friendly journey,” he said.

The strategy was shaped through extensive public consultation, including community workshops held throughout the city and county.

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These sessions provided valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of older people living in both urban and rural areas of the county.

Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council and Chair of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Alliance, commented:

“This strategy is about ensuring that Kilkenny remains a place where people of all ages can live full, active and healthy lives. It reflects the voices of our older people and sets out clear, achievable goals to support them.”

The Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2028 is now available to view on the Kilkenny County Council website: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/publications/council_publications/age-friendly-strategy-2025-2028.html.