MTU project aimed at helping older people navigate online world wins at national awards

A cybersecurity project pioneered by Munster Technological University (MTU) has been honoured for assisting older people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

MTU’s Cyber Safety Project has been awarded the Age Friendly Communication Award at the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

The awards celebrate Ireland’s most innovative age-friendly initiatives for making communities places where people can age and grow older safely and in dignity.

The MTU project helps older people to use the internet safely, offering workshops, accessible resources, and practical tools.

It builds awareness of online scams, fraud and misinformation, while supporting greater confidence and digital participation.

Pat Dowling, chair of the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards selection panel, praised the Cork project.

“The Cyber Safety Project stood out for making a complex and increasingly important issue accessible to older people,” Mr Dowling said.

“Its emphasis on practical education and co-design ensures the information is relevant and understandable, helping older people participate online with greater knowledge, confidence and security.”

The list of winners in the awards was announced last week in Limerick at a ceremony organised by Age Friendly Ireland, the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 local authorities in helping to make this an age-friendly country. 

Hosted by Limerick City and County Council, the awards took place at the Limerick Strand Hotel and were presented by RTÉ’s Marty Whelan.

Catherine McGuigan, chief officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said the awards demonstrate what age-friendly action looks like in practice.

“The winning projects have listened to older people, identified what can improve everyday life and turned that insight into practical action,” he said.

“By recognising these initiatives nationally, we want to celebrate their impact while encouraging other communities and organisations to learn from them, adapt them and build on what works.”

Kieran Kehoe, chief executive of Meath County Council and of the Age Friendly Ireland shared service, said the awards demonstrate how age-friendly principles are being translated into practical action in communities across the country.

“What makes these projects particularly valuable is that they respond to real needs identified locally,” he said.

“By recognising and sharing what works, we can help successful ideas travel beyond the communities where they began and contribute to wider learning both nationally and across Europe.

See agefriendlyireland.ie.