COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2016

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This council requests the Chief Executive to determine suitable locations for the construction of “Independent residential complexes” to address the needs of a maturing population and to free up housing stock more suitable to families through the subsequent downsizing.

The independent complex can be a mixture of both social housing and privately leased houses through “fair deal schemes”.

The concentration of mature people in an Independent living complex allows for more efficient provision of services and also helps to create a vibrant community reducing the effects of loneliness and isolation.

REPORT:

To meet the changing needs of older people as they age, the Council is dynamically reviewing how it develops specific housing for older people. The Council is actively appraising comparative best practise and various options to develop an exemplar model of ‘housing with care’ for older people that combines the supports and services traditionally delivered separately by the Council and the Health Service Executive into one scheme and retaining the concept of independent living. The Council is as part of that process considering the concept of “independent residential complexes”.

The permeating vision will be of a service that is proactive and focused on assisting older people to lead healthier and more active lives and to promote an independent and secure living environment for its residents.

The council will develop plans for three sites that are considered appropriate having regard to:

1. Location: close to (within walking distance of) services
2. Place making: the creation of attractive developments that add to the local context and urban form of the area
3. Reuse of land: aim to re-use brownfield sites wherever possible to promote the development of sustainable communities

Potential sites that have been identified include:

1. Brownfield site of 1.66 acres adjacent to Tallaght Stadium and Sean Walsh Park with access from Whitestown Way
2. Infill in both Maplewood Road and Fernwood Park

Before developing plans for the developments the council is currently examining best practise with regards the following:

• Incorporating a universal design approach to allow for flexibility and adaptability of the dwellings in the future
• Integrating technology into developments which enhance safety and security, support health monitoring, increase comfort and improve social connectedness
• Integrating social supports into developments which support access to information, find non health service based solutions and reduce demand on formal services.

It is anticipated that outline proposals will be brought to Council presently.