Fine Gael Galway City West Councillor, Clodagh Higgins has today called on the Government to introduce a targeted support scheme that would enable older people to safely divide their homes, freeing up thousands of new housing units while allowing older residents to remain in the communities they know and love.
Cllr Higgins said the measure, which she is calling the ‘Right-Sizing at Home’ Scheme, would support older people who are currently living in homes that have become too large, too expensive, or too difficult to manage, without forcing them to leave the areas where they’ve spent decades building their lives.
“I speak with older people regularly who are living in houses that no longer suit their needs, not just physically, but financially and emotionally,” she said.
“Many would love the option to divide their home and create a smaller, safer, more manageable space for themselves while making the rest available to rent or even sell.But right now, there’s no real support to do that and the fear of leaving their community, their neighbours, and everything they know is too much. We must stop asking them to choose between staying and downsizing. There is a middle ground,” added Cllr Higgins.
The proposed scheme would include:
* Grants of up to €80,000 to help with internal modifications and accessibility improvements.
* Support with separating utilities such as electricity and water to ensure independent living.
* Planning fast-tracking for approved conversions.
* A new legal and advisory service to help with renting or partial sale arrangements.
* Local Authority liaison officers to guide applicants through the process.
Councillor Higgins continued, saying this is a win-win proposal.
“It gives older people peace of mind, security, and income. It creates badly needed homes in towns and villages across Ireland without the need to build from scratch. And it strengthens communities by helping people stay connected to where they belong,” .
Cllr. Higgins is now calling on the Government to adopt this measure as part of its Housing for All strategy and to pilot the scheme in key counties where demand is highest including Galway.
“This is a practical, compassionate solution to two major challenges, the housing crisis and the social isolation of older people. Let’s be honest, we don’t need more red tape. We need action. Let’s give people the support they need to right-size at home with dignity, safety, and choice,” she concluded.
