To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department is taking to improve access to social housing for older people in (i) rural areas; and (ii) coastal areas.

This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.

I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“There are four categories of accommodation for older people - Categories 1,2,3 & 4.

The main category in the delivery of new build social housing is Category 1 ‘Cat 1’. This is self-contained accommodation for more active older people, which may include an element of scheme supervisor support and/or additional communal facilities (active elderly).

A summary of the current Social Housing Development Programme delivery on ‘Cat 1’ accommodation is detailed below.

(i) Rural Areas

There are 14 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ Social Housing Units Completed in 2022/23 - 2024/25.

There are currently 10 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ social housing units under construction.

There are 36 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ social housing units programmed to start as part of the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) 2024/25 – 2027/28.

(ii) Coastal Areas

There are 417 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ Social Housing Units Completed in 2022/23 - 2024/25. 57 of these units completed in 2024/25.

There are currently 486 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ social housing units under construction.

There are 246 ‘active elderly – cat 1’ social housing units programmed to start as part of the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) 2024/25 – 2027/28.

Programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.

Please note that ‘Older People’ applicants are also eligible to occupy general needs units”.