Delivering Housing for Older People

Ireland’s population is getting older. Around 15% of people are over 65, and this number is expected to rise to 21% by 2040. The number of people over 85 is also set to more than double.

As people live longer, there’s a growing need for housing that supports independent and dignified living for older adults.

What’s Being Done?

The Government is:

• Increasing the supply of social and private housing suitable for older people
• Supporting “ageing in place”, so people can stay in their homes or communities
• Helping older people rightsize to homes that better meet their needs

A dedicated working group is leading this work, with input from key stakeholders, to ensure housing options meet the changing needs of Ireland’s ageing population.

The Government is taking steps to increase the supply of social housing for older people by:

• Setting annual targets for each local authority to build more homes for older people.
• Improving how data is collected on housing for older people, including those at risk of homelessness.
• Helping local authorities find suitable sites and work with housing bodies to build homes in accessible, community-based locations.

These actions aim to give older people more housing choices and support independent living in their communities.

To meet the needs of Ireland’s growing older population, the Government will:

• Encourage more age-friendly homes in all types of new housing developments.
• Review planning rules to make it easier for older people to convert part of their homes into separate living spaces.
• Look at how to support older people who are renting privately, especially those nearing retirement, to address affordability challenges.

These steps aim to give older people more housing options that suit their needs and support independent living.

The Government is helping older people who want to rightsize - move to a home that better suits their needs by:

• Looking at ways to offer bridging finance to help with the move.
• Reviewing how local authority financial support schemes are working.
• Supporting social housing tenants who want to move to more suitable accommodation.

These steps aim to give older people more choice and support to live independently in homes that meet their needs.

The Government is taking a joined-up approach to housing and care for older people by:

• Creating a cooperation framework between the Department of Housing and the Department of Health to better connect housing with health and social care supports.
• Using lessons from projects like the Richmond Place Pilot in Inchicore to guide future supported housing models.
• Supporting Age Friendly Ireland, a shared service in local government, to help respond to the needs of an ageing population.

These actions are part of the Government’s wider plan to increase housing supply and support people in their communities.