This article is from page 30 of the 2008-02-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 30 JPG
AN ASSESSMENT of needs to identify the extent of the demand for step down housing is to be carried out in Shannon.
This has emerged, in the wake of calls for a suitable site for this type of housing in the town.
Councillor Gerry Flynn (Independ- ent) made the call, saying it was nec- essary, to cater for older people who may wish to downsize their proper- ties to smaller, more manageable USDA
In reply to this motion, at a Shan- non area meeting last week, Senior Executive Officer in housing, Nora Kaye said that a proposal for six step
down houses has been submitted.
It is part of a larger application, of 54 affordable houses, a new access road and ancillary services at Tul- lyglass Lower, south of the Cluain Airne housing estate.
“These six step down houses are bungalows, comprising four semi- detached and two detached and have small back gardens for easy mainte- nance,” said Ms Kaye.
However this development is be- ing opposed by residents of Cluain Airne, who are concerned about the number of houses proposed. A deci- sion on this application is imminent.
Ms Kaye added, “An assessment of needs to identify the extent of the demand for step down housing
would be required and I have spoken with the Department of the Environ- ment, Heritage and Local Govern- ment regarding such approach. The department will provide additional information when the assessment is complete, as there is no national step down housing scheme.”
Councillor Flynn said that his pro- posal affects several people.
“A considerable amount of peo- ple in Shannon live alone in two- storey houses. They want to live in their own community, close to their families and friends but require step down housing,’ said Cllr Flynn.
“The maintenance costs would be very low as the houses are much smaller. It would give people accom-
modation suitable to their needs. It would also free up a lot of houses for the next generation,” he said.
He said that Clare County Council should “specifically put aside a site” for such a scheme.
“Small-type chalet housing would be built and sold to people who would like to buy them. They could, in turn, sell their houses and make second-hand houses available, which are needed,” he added.
Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy supported calls for such a scheme.
“It’s an absolute need. A lot of peo- ple in their 70s and 80s live in hous- es where they can’t go up the stairs, while we have very few bungalows, which we need,” he said.