John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that densities of below 35 per hectare are permitted in smaller towns and villages and I welcome that circular the Department issued. The point I am making in this Commencement matter is that 35 per hectare is not conducive to attractive housing units for older persons. I am talking about the likes of a group scheme of 15 bungalows with shared garden areas and community spaces that are managed by a management body. I know from speaking to constituents that these are the type of developments that older individuals and couples want to move into but we have to address the density requirement.Otherwise, all the visions and policy documents in the world will not result in units on the ground. I acknowledge that in his reply, the Minister of State said the Minister is advancing updated guidance that will enable a broader range of density and housing types. I understand that he has also met the Office of the Planning Regulator regarding this matter. I ask that updated guidance be issued to local authorities on this issue for urban areas without delay because it takes time for units to go through the planning process. If we want to see older people downsizing and having the option of rightsizing, we must facilitate that change.