Initiative to promote cohousing for people who wish to downsize

Residents of cohousing communities will own a purpose-built, low-maintenance home which will have shared spaces such as communal kitchen, dining area, guest accommodation, gym, and gardens.

A cohousing initiative has been launched to provide housing for people aged 55 and over while freeing up much-needed family homes.

The not-for-profit initiative has been set up to promote cohousing in Ireland for people who wish to downsize.

Residents of cohousing communities will own a purpose-built, low-maintenance home which will have shared spaces such as communal kitchen, dining area, guest accommodation, gym, and gardens.

Unlike more recognised forms of community or assisted living, co-housing communities are self-organising groups, who collaborate on key decisions such as site selection, housing design, and shared facilities.

First established in Denmark in the late 1960s, cohousing communities have flourished across Europe and North America. 

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“With the housing crisis high on the national agenda, now is the time for policymakers to act," said Ana Dolan of Cohousing Ireland.

"Every year, over 70,000 people in Ireland turn 50, adding to the 1.18m individuals aged 50 to 75 who now make up nearly a quarter of the population.

"However, Ireland lacks sufficient housing tailored to 'middle agers' who are still active but often live in family-sized homes that no longer suit their needs."

Cohousing Communities Ireland is calling for policy changes from Government to support the housing model, which can be part of a strategy to tackle Ireland’s housing crisis by releasing larger family homes onto the market while at the same time addressing the growing issue of social isolation among older adults.

The organisation is actively considering a number of potential sites in Dublin, including one in Dublin 6, and says it is ready to engage with key stakeholders including the Housing Agency, local authorities and landowners.