Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
587. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to introduce a scheme that would allow local authorities to facilitate the exchange of a privately owned larger dwelling for a smaller local authority property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16456/26]
View answerGovernment is committed to increasing housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence and to supporting right-sizing on a voluntary basis. The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, includes measures which will increase delivery of housing for older people through increased delivery of social housing, increased delivery of more suitable homes in private housing and increased choice to support voluntary right-sizing.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities will increase choice for older people to voluntarily right-size through advancing consideration of the availability of bridging finance to support rightsizing, a review of the operation of existing local authority financial contribution schemes and supporting social housing tenants who wish to right-size to more suitable accommodation.
My Department is advancing these measures now incorporated in the new housing plan.
