Plans for provision of age-friendly housing in Celbridge outlined by Kildare County Council

Kildare County Council (KCC) was asked about the provision of age-friendly housing in Celbridge by a local representative at a recent council meeting. 

Labour Party councillor Rupert Heather asked KCC the question at the latest Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District meeting, which was held on Friday, March 21 last.

KCC issued a lengthy response to his query via its report at the meeting — it pointed out that there is an age friendly scheme due for delivery in Leixlip at the ESB site and in Newtown, Leixlip.

"Schemes at Ardclough Road and Oldtown Mill, Celbridge will also include age friendly units," KCC explained. "The council has recently supported an Approved Housing Body (AHB) to deliver age-friendly accommodation in Celbridge."

Cllr Rupert Heather of the Labour Party. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

Furthermore, KCC listed additional information via its report in response to Cllr Heather's question: "Under the current County Development Plan, 20 per cent of all new housing developments with delivery of 10 units or more are required to be Universally Designed (UD). Most of these UD dwellings are suitable for older people or people with mobility issues.

"The Allocations Scheme allows the council to prioritise allocations based on age; this is regularly implemented.

"Significant stock of suitable units is being delivered by the council and AHBs, via ground floor apartments and apartments with lifts."

KCC concluded: "The specifications for both council and AHBs properties have been updated to include removal of baths and inclusion of level access shower units on all ground floor units to make units more sustainable and accessible."

Cllr Heather told KCC that he welcomed its response.

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