Fingal’s Age-Friendly Strategy 2026-2030 is launched emphasising participation and accessibility
The Strategy, launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary on 16 January 2026, sets out a clear and actionable roadmap to ensure Fingal continues to evolve as an age friendly county.
Fingal County Council is delighted to launch the third Fingal Age Friendly Strategy (2026-2030). The Strategy, launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary on 16 January 2026, sets out a clear and actionable roadmap to ensure Fingal continues to evolve as an age friendly county, where older people are not only supported but actively included and empowered to thrive.
The audience at the launch were addressed by Mayor O’Leary; Chair of the Chair of Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance, Senan Turnbull; Fingal’s Age Friendly Ambassador, Terry Prone; and Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly and entertained by the Fingal Staff Choir.
Fingal is renowned for its youthful vibrancy, yet the county is experiencing a profound demographic shift. Today, 21% of the population is aged 55 and over and this cohort continues to grow. The Age Friendly Strategy reflects Fingal’s commitment to building a county that values every stage of life, fosters meaningful connections, and ensures readiness to meet the evolving needs of an ageing population.
Developed by the Age Friendly Alliance, the Strategy is the culmination of extensive engagement with older people, stakeholders, and sectoral partners. Fingal’s Age Friendly Ambassador, Terry Prone commended the work of the Alliance in developing the Strategy: “The mark of an unsuccessful strategy of any kind is where the people most affected go ‘Why didn’t you ask us?’ That’s what should make anybody living in Fingal feel hopeful about how this strategy will play out: We, the demographic, were asked. Consulted. Way to go…”
The Strategy is anchored in four thematic pillars that reflect the voice of older people:
• Health and Wellbeing
• Mobility and Accessibility
• Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods
• Information and Participation
Delivery of the commitments will be driven by the Alliance through a comprehensive action plan and annual progress reports, ensuring accountability and impact.
Speaking at the launch Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, said: “This Strategy is not simply a policy framework; it is a commitment. A commitment to our older residents that they will continue to be recognised, valued, and supported. A commitment to future generations that ageing in Fingal will be marked by dignity, opportunity, and belonging. It ensures that Fingal remains a place where ageing is embraced rather than feared, and where every citizen, regardless of age, can live with purpose, pride, and possibility.”
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, added: “As the lead coordinating agency for the Age Friendly Programme in Fingal, I would like to thank Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance for their work and commitment in developing and delivering on this Strategy which depends on strong collaboration across agencies, sectors, and communities. The Strategy will ensure that Fingal remains a place where older people are valued, included, and empowered to live meaningful lives.”
Grounded in rigorous research and shaped by meaningful consultation, the Fingal Age Friendly Strategy identifies the real challenges facing older people today and responds with a coordinated, multi-agency Action Plan. It reinforces Fingal’s leadership in advancing age friendly innovation through collaboration and genuine partnership with older residents.
Link to the Strategy: https://www.fingal.ie/fingal-age-friendly-strategy
