Third Private Rightsizing scheme announced for Limerick

Third Private Rightsizing scheme announced for Newcastle West, Limerick

The third Private Rightsizing scheme announced by Limerick City and County Council will become available this October in Newcastle West

Limerick City and County Council has announced the launch of a third Private Rightsizing scheme which will be made available to homeowners over the age of 55 this October.

The local authority has a new scheme where homeowners older than 55 who find their dwellings too large for them, may request the council to purchase their home in return for a life-long tenancy in a managed Older Persons Scheme.

The Private Rightsizing scheme is entirely voluntary and in partnership with Clann, a division of Clúid Housing that provides dedicated age-friendly homes for people 55 years and older. It is located at Woodfield Manor, Newcastle West and is an exciting new scheme which includes two-bed bungalows becoming available in October 2023.

Clann is committed to providing high-quality housing, enabling people to continue to live independently for as long as possible in their own homes and maintain the connection they have with their community. 

Launching the latest scheme, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr. Gerald Mitchell said:  “This scheme provides a great opportunity for people to ‘rightsize’ to age friendlier accommodation. The voluntary scheme enables people to move to a smaller home if they choose to do so whilst releasing their larger home to families that need it most. It is the third in a number of schemes across Limerick that the Council are working on in partnership with Clann.  We look forward to progressing further rightsizing schemes and building age-friendly communities to ensure the right housing options and supports are in place as our population ages, reducing the likelihood of people entering into nursing homes or care facilities.”

Caroline Curley, Director of Housing in Limerick City and County Council said: “This scheme provides quality housing and dedicated age-friendly accommodation. It’s a project which was targeted to fill a gap in the provision of housing for Older Persons whilst also, freeing up existing larger homes for younger families. Our aim is not just to help people wanting to transfer to a smaller home but to release larger 3 or 4-bedroom properties that are in high demand for families that need them most.”

Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Head of Clann, commented,“By 2030, we’re going to have 20 per cent of the population aged over-65 and by 2050, that number will be over one million. Clann is playing a vital role in shaping policy around the delivery of more age-friendly and age-appropriate housing, we are already delivering the largest age-friendly social housing development programme in Ireland. We’re excited to partner with Limerick City and County Council to deliver this new rightsizing scheme.”

Both the Council and Clann are working together to deliver more age-friendly housing to Limerick residents, planning ahead to ensure the right housing options and supports are in place as our population ages, reducing the likelihood of entering into nursing homes or care facilities.

The closing date for receipt of applications from eligible candidates over the age of 55 is September 8, 2023 at 5pm.

Candidates who submit a full application with supporting documentation will be assessed to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. Limerick City and County Council will hold a panel of approved candidates in excess of the number of available properties in case a selected candidate’s circumstances change and are unable to accept the offer.

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