More sheltered housing is needed in Kildare

There is a need for more sheltered housing across in Kildare north, especially in the north of the county.

North Kildare is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing areas and faces an urgent need to expand sheltered housing to support its ageing population, according to Fianna Fáil TD Naoise Ó Cearúil, who said that this is noticeable in towns such as Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, and Clane. 

“Many families who settled here in the 1970s and 80s are now in their retirement years, occupying large family homes that no longer suit their needs.They want the option to downsize into comfortable, accessible housing closer to town centres,” he said.

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He added many of these people are living in three, four, and five bedroom homes and “would welcome the chance to move to a smaller, more manageable property in their community, freeing up these family-sized homes for young families in the area.” 

He told a Leixlip woman living alone in  a five bedroom house and since the passing of her husband, she’s found it increasingly difficult to maintain the property. “

She told me how much she would love to downsize and move into sheltered accommodation closer to the town centre, where she could feel connected to her community, and have easy access to essential services,” he said. 

“Her situation highlights the need for housing that fits the lifestyle and capabilities of our older residents.” 

Projects such as Nagle Court in Maynooth and McAuley Place in Naas serve as excellent examples of how sheltered accommodation can provide older people with the option to stay in their communities, enjoy easy access to amenities, and maintain a high quality of life. 

He wants derelict houses to be renovated to provide  sheltered housing close to essential services. 

“Leixlip Main Street is a prime example of a location where restoring derelict units to their original residential purpose could create sheltered housing. Other promising sites, such as the ESB site in Leixlip and potential areas in Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, Clane, and Naas, could become focal points for new sheltered housing developments,” he added. 

Sheltered housing near town centres is essential to this vision, he said and older residents need easy access to shops, restaurants, GPs, and other facilities that enable independent living and an active social life. 

“This type of urban-centred approach would also promote inclusivity by allowing older people to stay integrated within their communities.”

 By prioritising sheltered housing, Ó Cearúil aims to create a balanced housing strategy that honours the needs of Kildare North’s ageing residents, supports younger families, and revitalises town centres.