Limerick City and County Council has launched a new scheme which allows homeowners over 55 to downsize and secure age-friendlier accommodation.

The 'rightsizing' scheme allows eligible homeowners to request the local authority to purchase their home in return for a life-long tenancy in a managed Older Persons' Scheme. This voluntary scheme is being delivered in partnership with Clann Housing.

Successful applicants will secure a tenancy at Mungret Gate, Limerick City, an exciting new scheme of two-bed apartments becoming available in March 2022. Clann Housing is a dedicated age-friendly housing provider, committed to providing high quality housing, which enables people to age in place, create homes and thriving communities.

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Limerick City and County Council and Clann Housing 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 the population ages, reducing the likelihood of people having to go into nursing homes or care facilities.

Launching the latest scheme, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler said: "This scheme provides the opportunity for people to 'rightsize' to age friendlier accommodation. It's a project which was targeted to fill a gap in the provision of housing for Older Persons while also freeing up existing larger homes for other families. It is the second of a number of schemes across Limerick we are working on and we look forward to progressing our plans for rightsizing and age-friendly communities."

Caroline Curley, Director of Housing in Limerick City and County Council added: "The private rightsizing scheme is an entirely voluntary scheme which means that you do not have to move unless you choose to do so. Our aim is not just to help people wanting to transfer to a smaller home but to release larger three or four bedroom properties that are in high demand for families that need them most."

The closing date for receipt of applications  is  5pm on 24 January 2022.