Meath County Council, in collaboration with a range of national partners, has been recognised at the Better Public Service Awards 2026, winning in the Driving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service Office. The award was presented at a national ceremony on Thursday, 25 June 2026, attended by Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD.
The winning project was delivered by Meath County Council on behalf of all 31 local authorities with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, An Garda Síochána, Department of Health, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Department of Transport, Department of Culture, Communications and Sports and the Health Service Executive (HSE) as members of the National Advisory Group.
The Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service Office, based in Meath, has positioned Ireland at the forefront of global Age Friendly practice and led in Ireland’s recognition as the first in the world to achieve World Health Organisation Age Friendly Status.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the positive impact that Age Friendly Ireland is having in communities across the country. We are extremely proud that this nationally significant programme is delivered from Meath on behalf of all local authorities. It demonstrates the value of partnership, innovation and inclusion in creating communities where older people can continue to live active, connected and fulfilling lives.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “This is a significant recognition of the leadership shown by Meath County Council in delivering the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service on behalf of all local authorities. It reflects the strength of collaboration across the public sector and a shared commitment to ensuring that older people are supported to live full, active and connected lives in their communities. We are very proud to play a central role in an initiative that has placed Ireland at the forefront of age-friendly practice worldwide.”
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service, said: “We are delighted to receive this national recognition for the collective efforts of our partners across Ireland in advancing Age Friendly policies and initiatives. The support and leadership provided by Meath County Council as host of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service Office has been instrumental in our success, and we are proud to work from Meath in delivering positive outcomes for older people in every community across the country.”
A short video featuring Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe speaking more about this project can be found here: BPS Awards 2026 – Driving equality, diversity and inclusion.
