Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
458. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to encourage purpose built housing for older adults by designating it as a specific use class or housing typology, as has been done for purpose built student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56563/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, each local authority is required to develop a Housing Strategy which informs their development plans. The Housing Strategy is informed by an evidence based Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA), which is an estimate of the type and tenure of housing required within a local area over a longer timescale. Each local authority is required to make a determination of housing needs including for older people.
The Sustainable Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, issued as Ministerial Guidance in January of 2024, state that the creation of sustainable communities requires a diverse mix of housing and variety in residential densities across settlements. This will also require a focus on the delivery of innovative housing types that can facilitate compact growth and provide greater housing choice that respond to the needs of single people, families, older people and people with disabilities, informed by the HNDA.
The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future includes a number of commitments to deliver “Practical Housing Options for Positive Ageing”. These commitments build upon the policy objectives in 'Housing for All', which commit to increasing the housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence.
Work on these commitments is ongoing within a policy group to consider the implementation of these commitments through specific measures in the new housing plan that is currently being prepared by my Department.
