Ardee Garden Care & Repair Project nominated for National Age-Friendly award

Louth County Council has said that it was proud to announce that the Ardee Garden Care & Repair Project has been nominated in the Age-Friendly Environment category at the upcoming National Age-Friendly Recognition & Achievement Awards.

Launched as a pilot initiative in 2024 with the financial support of Ardee Municipal District councillors, the project offers a free gardening service to older and vulnerable residents in Ardee. By maintaining safe, accessible, and welcoming outdoor spaces, the initiative promotes wellbeing and independence among the town’s ageing population.

The initiative reflects the power of community collaboration, bringing together Louth County Council, Ardee Tidy Towns, An Garda Síochána, Dee Hub, and Age Friendly Louth.

On Wednesday, the Ardee Garden Care & Repair Project, supported by Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, welcomed the Age Friendly judging panel to the Mid-Louth town.

The distinguished panel included Ned Gleeson, former Limerick and South Tipperary County Manager; Anna Haugh, former Director of Service with Clare County Council; and Dr Emer Coveney, Programme Manager for Age Friendly Ireland.

Local elected members and project partners extended them a heartfelt welcome, followed by an engaging presentation and a site visit to Sliabh Breagh, where the judges witnessed the project in action.

They met with dedicated volunteers who carry out the work and spoke with residents who benefit directly from the initiative, highlighting the community’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all ages.

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, said: “As a proud native of Ardee, I’ve seen first-hand the difference this project has made to the lives of older residents. As well as being a community gardening service, it’s a lifeline that brings dignity, connection, and pride to our community, and I’m delighted to see it recognised nationally.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added: “This nomination reflects our ongoing commitment to age-friendly principles and sustainable community development. The Ardee Garden Care & Repair Project is a testament to what can be achieved when local organisations work together to improve the quality of life for all residents in the county.”

This nomination is the latest major recognition for the initiative, following its success in the Best Green Sustainable Initiative category at the LAMA Community and Council Awards earlier this year.

The National Age-Friendly Recognition & Achievement Awards will take place on Thursday, 23rd October, at the Galmont Hotel, Galway City, celebrating innovative and impactful age-friendly initiatives from across Ireland.

Louth continues to lead the way in age-friendly innovation, having been the first county in Ireland to receive WHO Age-Friendly Accreditation in 2008.

For more information on Age Friendly Ireland, visit www.agefriendly.ie

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