Age Friendly Ireland announces new Chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils

Age Friendly Ireland has announced the appointment of Catherine Lenihan as the new Chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils (OPCs). The appointment was formally made at a meeting of the National Network of OPCs in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin, marking a new chapter in the representation of older people’s voices at a national level.

Also announced on the day, Liz Downes, Chair of Cork County OPC, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National Network of OPCs, succeeding Amro Hamid, Chair of Sligo OPC.

The National Network of OPCs brings together representatives from the 35 local Older People’s Councils across Ireland. Currently serving as Chair of the OPC for County Kerry, Catherine Lenihan will now also lead the National Network, representing the interests of older people on a nationwide basis. In this role, Catherine will contribute to the strategic direction of services and supports for Ireland’s ageing population. Local OPCs are a core part of Age Friendly programme, giving older people a strong voice in policy and services, and supporting the design of age friendly environments where older people can feel secure, engaged and valued.

Catherine Lenihan, who has been Chairperson of the Kerry Older People’s Council Executive since June 2024 and a member of the Kerry OPC Executive since 2023, said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils. Older people across Ireland have a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspectives, and it is vital that our voices are heard in shaping the services and supports that affect our lives. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the local Older People’s Councils to ensure that older people remain at the heart of decision-making, and to continue building a society that is inclusive, supportive and truly age friendly.”

The appointment follows the tenure of Ita Healy, Chair of Meath’s Older People’s Council, who has served as Chair of the National Network of OPCs for the past 2 years. Ms Healy has been a strong voice for older people, helping to bring their perspectives into national conversations on health, wellbeing, housing and community development.

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland, said: “I want to congratulate Catherine Lenihan on her appointment as Chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils. This role is central to ensuring that the voices of older people are heard not just locally, but nationally, where they can shape policy and influence services that make a real difference to people’s lives. I also want to thank Ita Healy for her exceptional leadership and dedication during her time as Chair — she has been a tireless champion and has strengthened the voice of older people at every level.”

Age Friendly Ireland, the national organisation implementing the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland, directs, supports and provides technical guidance to the 35 local authority-led, multi-disciplinary Age Friendly Programmes, which also includes 35 Older People’s Councils. All initiatives are underpinned by the World health Organization’s eight domains for Age Friendly Cities and Communities — transportation; outdoor spaces and buildings; housing; social participation; respect and inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services — which together provide the international framework for creating places where people of all ages can live well.

For more on Age Friendly Ireland see www.agefriendlyireland.ie