Call for more Westmeath rural area age friendly homes

Westmeath County Council is being urged to significantly accelerate the delivery of age-friendly housing in rural communities, as local councillors warn that smaller towns and villages are being left behind in the provision of one- and two-bedroom homes for older people and those with disabilities.

The call was made at the July council meeting by Cllr David Jones, who brought forward a motion seeking faster delivery of age-friendly homes in areas such as Clonmellon, Raharney, Rathwire, Delvin, and Collinstown.

"These homes are vital," Cllr Jones said. "There are many people in three-bedroom local authority houses who want to downsize to one- or two-bed units with ground floor access. That would free up three-bed homes for families on housing lists. This isn’t just a social housing issue — it’s about smarter housing policy and dignity in older age."

The SF councillor referenced a successful scheme in Athboy, as a model Westmeath could emulate. "It’s a beautiful development behind the old school there. It created a real community for older people and is something we could easily replicate."

Cllr Jones also spoke of his late mother-in-law, who lived with multiple sclerosis and had greatly benefited from a specially adapted one-bed unit in Clonmellon. "We couldn’t thank the local authority enough," he said. "It allowed her to live in dignity and independence."

In its response to the motion, the council said that 69% of all housing units currently being delivered in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies and developers are one- and two-bedroom homes. Of the council’s own 145 planned and on-site units, 55% fall into that category.

Specific recent and upcoming developments in rural areas include six units delivered in Delvin in 2023, one Part V unit in Collinstown in early 2025, and four age-friendly units currently in planning for Clonmellon. The council is also working with developers on approximately five Part V units in Delvin, 10 in Rathwire/Killucan, and 11 in Castlepollard, all of which will include one- and two-bedroom homes.

The reply went on to state that Westmeath County Council has an open call for expressions of interest from builders and developers who wish to work in partnership with the local authority "and welcomes engagement from all potential partners to meet the housing in need in the county".

Cllr Jones expressed concern over relying too heavily on private developers. "We’re not progressing as quickly as we should. We need a dedicated team focused on age-friendly housing in rural communities. We can’t just wait and hope that developers include one- and two-bed units in their plans. We should be delivering these directly."

The motion drew widespread support from fellow councillors.

Cllr Denis Leonard agreed: "Every rural town in Westmeath should have age-friendly housing. In many of them, nothing has been built in 20 or 25 years. This isn’t just about older people – it’s about freeing up family homes."

Cllr Alfie Devine welcomed the motion and noted the progress that has been made in some areas, particularly Castlepollard, where 11 Part V homes are planned. "We need to keep the pressure on," he said. "Yes, there’s more to do, but work is happening, and we should acknowledge that."

Cllr Jones concluded by saying the goal is clear: "Deliver for the people who built these communities, and ensure they can stay in them."