Thomas Gould
Question:108. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful rightsizing applications by each local authority to date in 2022, in tabular form. [62642/22]
View answerWednesday, 14 December 2022
Questions (108)
Written answers
Housing supports and the oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the application for, and allocation of, tenancies, is solely a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations. Whilst some local authorities operate right-sizing schemes, my Department does not hold information on the number of applicants who have applied to right-size. The information sought may be available from the local authorities.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The strategy commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a national policy on right-sizing. Work is underway in my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on right-sizing.
Local authorities have autonomy to design blended developments encompassing a range of housing solutions in line with the specific, local housing need. In any individual, multi-unit public housing development, this may encompass housing units that are larger to accommodate large families or for mobility-friendly use including age-friendly and housing solutions for disabled people, or that might facilitate right-sizing or are smaller units suitable for individuals. Most public housing developments are not singularly focused on one type of housing category. Specific details of the blend of housing and the allocations of such housing across different categories of need and use is a matter for local authorities.