Dublin City Council eyes ‘rightsizing’ to unlock social housing for families
Dublin City Council are encouraging older people to consider 'rightsizing' to free up larger homes for social housing.
A key part of the Dublin City Age Friendly Strategy focuses on older people who wish to downsize their home while remaining within their community. This five-year strategy aims futureproof Dublin for older people and creating an environment that meets the needs of an aging population.
As of the last census there are 79,368 people living in Dublin over the age of 65, and the strategy aims to develop the capital with their specific needs in mind. At yesterday’s Community, Gaeilge, Sport, Arts & Culture SPC, Regional Age Friendly Manager Bruce McDevitt spoke to council members about their five year vision to “future proof the city as we age”.
“Life expectancy is 84 years for women and 81 for men and this is about creating an environment to sustain ourselves as we age ,” he said. Tapping into the World Health Organization’s eight interconnected domains for an age-friendly city, Mr McDevitt explained how they are endeavouring to provide environments that are age-inclusive, with programmes that reduce social isolation and promote intergenerational interaction.
These domains relate to housing, social participation, respect and inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication, health supports, outdoor spaces, and transport. Through roundtable discussions, surveys, online engagement, and one-to-one interviews, DCC has come up with a plan that feeds age-friendly ambitions into all aspects of their work.
One major area of interest is housing, with a focus on providing more age-friendly, affordable and suitable options for older people. This includes the provision of older peoples grants and adaptability aims such as the expansions of the Healthy Homes initiative.
Another significant aspect of the strategy is the promotion of rightsizing, which will allow older people with children who have grown up and left home the opportunity to downsize if they wish, which can open up larger homes for social housing. In the midst of a housing crisis, when done right, this can be a win-win situation for all involved.
Labour Councillor Darragh Moriarty noted that rightsizing presents significant hurdles. He pointed out that an older person moving from a four-bedroom family home is often restricted to a one-bedroom unit. This lack of space can deter people from downsizing, as they lose the ability to host grandchildren overnight. Cllr Moriarty called for greater flexibility within the system to accommodate these family needs.
Improved public transport, better footpath maintenance , and providing more accessible city infrastructure is another key component of the strategy. Mr McDevitt explained they are looking to provide more seating, bus shelters, and improved access for wheelchairs and prams to help people getting around the city.
Safety for pedestrians was a recurring theme during the consultation phase, as fast e-scooters, vehicles on footpaths, or reckless cyclists were often brought up. The strategy aims to promote road safety initiatives and link in with Community Policing Teams and Older Person Groups.
Social isolation is another issue that disproportionately affects older people and the council recognises the need for better access to information about local activities and events, as well GPs, health services, churches, and businesses. Actions include the promotion of library services as well as assets like Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing programmes for older adults.
In a world that’s become increasingly reliant on technology, it’s important that older people aren’t left behind in the digital age. This is why the Age Friendly Strategy includes ensuring access to information through traditional media and modern technology. Actions include the provision of literacy and digital skills programmes for older people.
The Dublin City Age Friendly Strategy 2026 - 2030 will be brought before the full council for approval before it is officially launched later this year.
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