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 NNOPC in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin, marking a new chapter in the representation of older people’s voices at national level.
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 Lenihen 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, Chair of the National Network of OPCs Liz Downes, Vice Chair
Catherine, who is 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.
Liz Downes, Chair of Cork County Older People’s Council, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National Network of OPCs, succeeding Amro Hamid, Chair of Sligo OPC.
