COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan, Councillor E. O'Brien, Councillor E. Murphy, Councillor Yvonne Collins, Councillor Shane Moynihan

That the Manager amends Chapter 5, QDP10 Objective 2 to include: 'Through the introduction of a minimum of 10% 'Step Down' housing units in all future housing developments.'

REPORT:

The proposed motion seeks to provide a minimum 10% ‘Step Down’ housing units in all future housing developments to be inserted within an objective relating to an ageing society.

QDP10 Objective 2 currently states:

To ensure that our ageing society is catered for in a choice of housing provision having regard to South Dublin Age Friendly County Strategy and Age Friendly Ireland’s Principle and Guidelines for the Planning Authority (2021).

Policy and objectives in Chapter 6 Housing contain a specific section under Policy 3 for Housing for Older People. Policy 3 states:

Support the provision of accommodation for older people in established residential and mixed use areas offering a choice and mix of accommodation types to older people (independent and semi-independent living) within their communities and at locations that are proximate to services and amenities.

And H3 Objective 1 states:

To support housing that is designed for older people (including independent, semi-independent or nursing home accommodation) in residential and mixed-use areas, at locations that are proximate to existing services and amenities including pedestrian paths, local shops, parks and public transport.

H3 Objective 6 states ‘Promote ‘aging in place’ and opportunities for right sizing within communities.’

Having regard to the above, it is considered that there is sufficient policy in the Plan to ensure that Housing for Older People is properly considered and promoted within the community. To place a defined percentage of step-down housing for every development is overly prescriptive and would not accord with the HNDA approach to the identification of housing need.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.