A CHANCE for empty nesters and people who find their current homes too large and difficult to maintain is being offered on the outskirts of Limerick City.
Limerick City and County Council, in partnership with Focus Housing Association, is launching a new rightsizing scheme at Woodlawn Park in Ballysimon.
The overall scheme consists of 15 new apartments designed to support private homeowners aged 55 and over seeking a move to a more manageable property, as well as individuals aged over 55 on the housing waiting list or current tenants on the housing waiting list seeking a transfer.
Under the scheme, the Council said, a successful homeowner applicant will sell their home on the private market and contribute 25 per cent of the proceeds to the local authority. In return, they will receive a lifetime tenancy in a managed older person’s scheme.
The new rightsizing scheme is entirely voluntary and in partnership with Focus Housing Association, whose aim is to providing high-quality housing, enabling people to continue to live independently for as long as possible in their own homes and helping residents stay connected with their community.
The new housing development at Woodlawn Park in Ballysimon offers a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, both ground and first floor. Ground floor units include a small patio, while first-floor units feature a balcony.
Homes will be available from the end of September 2025, a statement from the Council confirmed.
With an exception for service animals, pets are not allowed.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said the new Ballysimon development “is another small example of how we are continuing to lead the way in Limerick in building communities that work for all stages of life”.
“We want to address both immediate housing needs and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for all residents – for the people who will enter these homes, this will do just that.
“We are also then going to be in a position to free up larger family homes, creating a cycle of better housing opportunities for everyone in Limerick. We are continuing to show what’s possible when ambition meets people-focused policy.”
The closing date for applications from eligible candidates over the age of 55 is 5pm on Friday August 22.
For more information and eligibility criteria, visit limerick.ie/rightsizing-scheme or contact the Council’s rightsizing team 061 557 028 or via email on [email protected]
