Empowering Older People and Promoting Healthy, Connected Communities Across County Wicklow
Wicklow County Council, in partnership with the Wicklow Older People's Council, successfully hosted the Age Friendly Expo on Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the Arklow Bay Hotel. The event, which ran from 11am to 4pm, welcomed members of the public from across the county to celebrate positive ageing and promote the services and supports available to older people.
The Expo highlighted the vital role of the Executive Committee of the Older People's Council (OPC), which serves as a strong and active voice for older people in County Wicklow. Derek Connolly, Vice Chair of the Executive Committee, officially opened the event and introduced the OPC Executive Committee to attendees. Michael Nicholson, Director of Services at Wicklow County Council, delivered a keynote address, and closing remarks were provided by Tom Cavanagh and Gertrude Salley, representing Arklow Municipal District.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged with presentations from various organisations, including:
- Healthy Age Friendly Homes
- Wicklow Sports Partnership
- Patient Advocacy Service
- Chime
- UCD Access & Lifelong Learning
- LGBT Ireland
Two mobile health units, from the Irish Heart Foundation and Hidden Hearing, offered free health checks outside the venue. Information stands from groups such as KWETB, An Garda Síochána, Wicklow Fire Service, Wicklow Library Service, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, and Active Retirement Ireland provided valuable resources and advice.
Michael Nicholson, Director of Services at Wicklow County Council, said: "This Expo reflects the incredible work being done to make Wicklow a county where people can age well—with dignity, independence, and connection. The Older People's Council and its Executive Committee continue to be a strong voice for older people, and Wicklow County Council is proud to support their efforts in building a more inclusive and age-friendly community."
Derek Connolly, Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Older People's Council, stated: "It’s a pleasure to welcome everyone to this year’s Age Friendly Expo. Today is about celebrating the voices, experiences, and contributions of older people in Wicklow. I’m proud to introduce our Executive Committee, who work tirelessly to represent and support older people across the county."
For more information about the Older People’s Council and other age-friendly initiatives in Wicklow, please visit the Wicklow County Council website or contact Sarah McElroy
Age Friendly Programme Coordinator
Email: smcelroy@wicklowcoco.ie
Phone: 087 3974770