Fingal Launches Two Important Age Friendly Accommodation Documents

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Anthony Lavin in the company of Minister Damien English T.D. launched two important documents as part of Fingal County Council’s Age Friendly strategy in The Atrium, Fingal County Council, Swords on Monday March 25th. The report “The Provision of Accommodation for older people in Fingal – Engaging with the Private Sector” and its accompanying construction information leaflet “10 Ways to Construct a More Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly Home” are important additions to the work of Fingal County Council in enhancing their approach to the provision of life cycle adaptable and age appropriate housing across the County at construction stage.

Fingal currently has the youngest population in the Country however this population is ageing rapidly which brings both opportunities and challenges. One of the main challenges for policy makers is addressing the anticipated housing needs of this changing demographic.  Constructing lifetime adaptable housing using some or all of the 10 steps featured in this report will assist in addressing this need across the County.

According to Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Anthony Lavin: “Now is the time to take a proactive approach to addressing this challenge and to ensure that we, in Fingal County Council, proactively lead the way in promoting the development of age appropriate housing to meet the growing need of our citizens”.

Minister Damien English stated 

“I am delighted to be here today to launch two important documents produced by Age Friendly Ireland and Fingal County Council:

1)      Provision of Accommodation for Older People in Fingal – Engaging with the Private Sector (Phase One Report); and

2)      “10 Ways to Construct A More Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly Home”

I welcome the 10 Ways to Construct a More Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly Home document as it provides guidance on the additional provisions that can be incorporated into the design of a new home or apartment and will assist in ensuring that people can Age in Place for as long as they choose to do so.T

he Engaging with the Private Sector – Phase one Report, also launched today, will be hugely beneficial in creating awareness of the opportunities offered in the provision of housing for older people.”

Also addressing the launch, Mr Paul Reid, Chief Executive, Fingal County Council said “I wish to emphasise the importance of Fingal County Council taking the lead to ensure that Fingal is well positioned to meet the challenge of addressing the delivery of life cycle appropriate housing which is a central challenge for housing policy makers at both local and national level”. 

This report provides a roadmap which marks additional direction for Fingal County Council’s Housing and Planning Policy. It also seeks to enhance an understanding among developers in the Fingal Area of the need to embed consideration of the housing needs of an older population into their planning. Further information can be found at www.fingal.ie
 

ENDS