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Irish Examiner
05-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Limerick council launches 'rightsizing' apartment scheme for over 55s in bid to free up family homes
Limerick City and County Council is encouraging older people looking to downsize their home to apply for a new scheme offering a 'lifetime tenancy', while freeing up larger homes to return to the squeezed market. A development of 15 apartments will be available from the end of September at Woodlawn Park in Ballysimon, with the council saying it is geared towards people aged 55 and over who own their own home, find their home too large for their needs, and are willing to sell on the private market. Under the scheme, which is conducted in partnership with Focus Housing Association, the applicant must sell their home on the market and give the council 25% of the proceeds in return for a lifetime tenancy. 'Our joint ambition is to expand and improve housing options for people over the age of 55,' the council's director of housing Brian Kennedy said. Rightsizing developments are close to public transport, services and activities that are inclusive of age friendly communities. 'The council has an informal register of interest of approximately 250 private households enquiring about rightsizing options. We are confident that there is significant latent demand for rightsizing schemes.' The council stressed it was a completely voluntary scheme, which means people do not have to move unless they choose to do so. It also said it would help people if their current home was too large or too difficult to maintain, as these new apartments were smaller, modern and 'easier to manage'. Furthermore, they have been designed with older residents in mind, and will allow people to remain in Limerick, close to family, friends and familiar services, the council said. The council said its aim, alongside helping those wanting to transfer to a smaller home, was to release properties that are in high demand for 'families that need them most'. The mix of one- and two-bed homes in Ballysimon are available on both ground-floor and first-floor levels. Pets are not allowed, but exceptions are made for service animals. 'Woodlawn Park is a well-established residential area and a well-connected part of Limerick's east side, making it an ideal setting for rightsizing,' Cllr Catherine Slattery said. These new homes will offer a great opportunity for individuals looking to move into accommodation that better suits their current needs. I would encourage anyone eligible, and looking to make a move, to consider the benefits this scheme can offer. Applications for the Woodlawn Park scheme are open until Friday, August 22. Similar 'rightsizing' schemes are operated by other local authorities around the country. In Cork, several schemes are managed by Tuath Housing, including ones in Douglas, Blackrock, and Bishopstown. Although the Government's last Housing for All plan said a national policy on rightsizing would be developed, housing minister James Browne said the 'advancement of a broader policy approach' was being considered alongside programme for government commitments to increase housing available to older people.
Irish Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Construction work begins on landmark social housing project in Dublin
THE sod was turned this week on a much-anticipated social housing project in Dublin. Construction work has officially begun on Blackbird Park in Cabra, north Dublin for the Focus Housing Association development, which is part of the homeless and housing charity Focus Ireland. When completed, the 2.03-hectare site, which was gifted to the charity by the Dominican Sisters, will provide homes for 95 families in need, as well as two community rooms and a public green area and children's play space. Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain joined Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and local councillors at the sod-turning event. (L-R) Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO, Sr Stan, Focus President and co-founder, Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain and Housing Minister James Browne at the event 'Dublin City Council is delighted to support and work with Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association to deliver these much-needed homes, which will provide secure, permanent housing for individuals and families in a wonderful part of the city,' Ms Blain said. Minister Browne added: 'I'm delighted to be here today in the constituency of Dublin Central to turn the sod at this important housing scheme which showcases the positive impact of environmental regeneration can have on our housing situation. 'As we work towards addressing the challenges, to resolving and increase the supply of housing, all forms of housing an achieving the targets outlined under a new Housing for All plan, developments such as The Blackbird Park site in Ratoath Road, Cabra will alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market and provide quality and sustainable homes for families, young people and the wider community.' Minister for Housing, Local Government, Heritage, James Browne addresses the sod-turning event Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said the development is their largest housing scheme to date. 'These energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality homes will be provided to families and individuals most in need and is only possible because of the generous donation of land received from the Dominican Sisters, Cabra to Focus Housing Association,' he explained, 'This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th Anniversary, however, we don't see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation and upward challenges of homelessness in our society. 'Therefore, developments like Blackbird Park are the type of scheme helping us meet our new build social housing delivery targets and allowing us to strengthen social cohesion and grow community life for long-term homeless families and individuals struggling to find a place to call home.' He added: 'In every town and city nationwide, there is under-utilised land in urban and built-up areas including empty, derelict buildings of which could be used to relieve significant housing demand and help bring lasting resolution to the housing shortages. "If used well, they can be a source of urban renewal and value for the surrounding community.' Many of the families and individuals who will get homes at Blackbird Park have been 'stuck' on Dublin City Council's social housing waiting list for many years, according to Focus Ireland . 'They are set to become part of a vibrant and inclusive community, close to wonderful community schools and other amenities such as hospitals, community sports and recreational facilities,' they explained. 'At Focus Ireland we say every project makes a difference, every donation counts, every home delivered changes lives. 'Each success brings us closer to our goal—ensuring that every person in this country has the right to a secure, decent quality home, and a great place to live. 'In so doing, our team is proud to be actively involved in shaping the future of housing in Ireland, providing high-quality homes that will make a real difference to people's lives.' See More: Blackbird Park, Cabra, Dublin, Focus Ireland
Dublin Live
22-05-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Construction begins on 95 social homes in north Dublin
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Construction commenced this week in Cabra for Focus Housing Association's housing development at Blackbird Park. The project will see 95 A2-rated social homes delivered at the 2.03-hectare site on Dominican Sisters lands off Ratoath Road. The Dominican sisters gifted the land to Focus Housing Association will be delivered in collaboration with Dublin City Council, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Housing Finance Agency. The 95 A2-Rated social homes will comprise of 14 two-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedroom apartments, 13 two-bed duplex, 13 three-bed duplex and one four-bed duplex dwellings across five three-storey blocks. The development will also include two community rooms for future tenant use and considerable public open space of over 7,300m², including a public green area and children's play space. Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: 'Focus Housing Association is honoured today to deliver Blackbird Park in due course. This represents our largest housing scheme to date, and, I'm privileged to say developed and designed by Focus Housing Association with support and guidance from ABK Architect's, and A2 Architects and JFOC Architects. "These energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality homes will be provided to families and individuals most in need and is only possible because of the generous donation of land received from the Dominican Sisters, Cabra to Focus Housing Association. "This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th Anniversary, however, we don't see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation and upward challenges of homelessness in our society. Therefore, developments like Blackbird Park are the type of scheme helping us meet our new build social housing delivery targets and allowing us to strengthen social cohesion and grow community life for long-term homeless families and individuals struggling to find a place to call home." Speaking at the sod-turning at Blackbird Park Minister for Housing, James Browne said, 'I'm delighted to be here today in the constituency of Dublin Central to turn the sod at this important housing scheme which showcases the positive impact of environmental regeneration can have on our housing situation. "As we work towards addressing the challenges, to resolving and increase the supply of housing, all forms of housing an achieving the targets outlined under a new Housing for All plan, developments such as The Blackbird Park site in Ratoath Road, Cabra will alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market and provide quality and sustainable homes for families, young people and the wider community through CALF, HFA funds. "I want to commend Focus Housing Association and Focus Ireland, who, working with the State – at local authority level with Dublin City Council, with the Housing Finance Agency and with my own Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have been able to get this development over the line. Partnership and cooperation with approved housing bodies (AHBs), such as Focus Housing Association, is vital as we improve delivery speed and work to meet new Housing for All targets.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
