Gathering together to make Co. Wicklow a great place to grow old.
Over 70 older residents from across County Wicklow attended the Annual General Meeting of the Older People’s Council. This event took place in Lynhams Hotel in Laragh, Co. Wicklow, on 5th September 2025.
The outgoing Chair of the County Wicklow Older People’s Council, Carina Holmes welcomed the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Age Friendly Ambassador for County Wicklow Senator Pat Casey and Director of Services and Chair of the Wicklow Age Friendly Alliance Michael Nicholson. Carina also welcomed the attendance of older individuals, community groups and networks from across the county.
The aim of the Older People’s Council AGM was to reconnect and engage with the wider Older People’s Council by doing the following:
· Attract new members to the Older People’s Council
· Elect the Executive Committee for the Wicklow Older People’s Council
· Promote the Age Friendly Programme in Wicklow
· Publicise the Expo scheduled for Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the Arklow Bay Hotel
· Share information regarding the roles of the Age Friendly Programme Manager and the Age Friendly Alliance in Wicklow
The election for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of Wicklow’s Older People’s Council will take place shortly during the Committee’s first meeting after the AGM.
Caroline Brogan, Age Friendly Ireland Regional Manager for the Southeast, provided an overview of the Age Friendly Programme and Older People’s Councils. Sarah McElroy, County Wicklow Age Friendly Programme Manager gave an update to attendees on the activities of the Wicklow Older People’s Council Executive Committee over the past two years and their plans moving forward.
Carina Holmes, the outgoing Chair of the Executive Committee of the Older People’s Council, stated: “With over 27% of Wicklow’s population now aged 55 and above, the need for seamless, collaborative service delivery across all the Age Friendly Alliance members has never been more critical. The County Wicklow OPC Executive stands firmly committed to advancing the five-year Age Friendly Strategy—an ambitious and transformative roadmap that will, when fully implemented, enhance the quality of life for older people. By championing this strategy, we are not only responding to demographic realities but seeking to actively shape Wicklow into a vibrant, inclusive county where growing older is celebrated and supported at every stage.”
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, commented: “The Older People’s Council plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices, experiences, and wisdom of our older citizens are heard and valued. As Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, I am proud to support this AGM, which celebrates active aging, community engagement and the continued contributions of older people to our county. I look forward to the conversations and ideas that will emerge, helping us build a more inclusive and age-friendly Wicklow.”
Age Friendly Ambassador for County Wicklow, Senator Pat Casey, affirmed: “I’m proud to stand with the Older People’s Council of County Wicklow at this year’s AGM. Our older population is a source of strength and inspiration and their lived experiences enrich our county in countless ways. The Council remains a steadfast advocate, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. As Age Friendly Ambassador, I will continue to support this essential work and help create a Wicklow where aging is a journey of pride, purpose and community.”
Chair of the Wicklow Age Friendly Alliance Michael Nicholson, remarked: “Wicklow County Council continues to embed age-friendly principles at the core of its planning and service delivery. The AGM of the Older People’s Council serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and acting in partnership with older citizens. Their insights shape our priorities and strengthen our resolve to build a county where aging is met with respect, opportunity and support. We remain fully committed to the Age Friendly Ireland Programme and to working collaboratively to realise the goals of the Wicklow Age Friendly County Strategy 2023–2027.”
Caroline Brogan, Age Friendly Ireland Regional Programme Manager for the Southeast, said: “I’m delighted to be here today at the Wicklow Older People’s Council AGM. It’s a privilege to stand among such a passionate and engaged community. The voice of older people is not only important, it’s essential to shaping inclusive, forward-thinking communities that reflect lived experience and local wisdom. Through the work of Age Friendly Ireland and the dedication of local partners, we continue to champion these voices, making sure they are heard, valued and central to shaping Wicklow as a great place to grow old.”
County Wicklow residents aged over 55 who would like to learn more about getting involved in the Older People’s Council should contact the Wicklow Age Friendly Programme Manager, Sarah McElroy by email:
Further information:
