Campbell Tickell hosted a webinar chaired by Campbell Tickell’s Liz Zacharias and John O’Connor, Associate Consultant, on 3rd September 2025.
Many thanks to our excellent panellists (listed below) who contributed, and the 120 people from local authorities, government departments, Approved Housing Bodies and charities who attended – all concerned with the housing needs of an older population.
The key takeaways from the webinar were:
- Demographic urgency: Many more homes suitable for older people will be needed, alongside planning for an increased demand for care and community infrastructure.
- Care spectrum: Ireland needs a range of housing options, from independent living to specialist care, with clear pathways between them and integrated support
- Policy & funding: Funding models need reform to encourage new build housing for older people: homes that are accessible, with communal facilities and allow for increasing care needs; homes that meet the diversity of older people’s tenure and income.
- Design matters: Universal and dementia-friendly design enables independence, safety, and ageing in place.
- Health and social wellbeing: Clearly recognise the need for health and social wellbeing initiatives as a core part of the older persons housing offer as distinct from personal care and that this also needs to be funded.
- Community connection: Loneliness and isolation are major public health concerns. Housing must support social inclusion and resident-led community building.
- Cross-departmental collaboration: Ireland was the first WHO-recognised age-friendly country and ongoing cross-government collaboration is a strength to build on.
- Rural inclusion: Community-led models show what’s possible. Rural housing needs more support and recognition.
- Strategy: And finally, a national strategy for older person’s housing is essential!
Our panellists:
- Bruce Moore, CEO, Housing 21
- Declan Gaffney, National Technical Programme Manager, Age Friendly Ireland
- Dr Emer Coveney National, Programme Manager, Age Friendly Ireland
- Joe Gallop, Clann Housing Manager, Clúid Housing
- John Hannigan, CEO, Circle VHA
- Kath Cottier, CEO, Fold Housing
- Roslyn Molloy Head of Policy, Practice & Communications, The Housing Agency
- Dr. Jerry Cowley, Institute of Rural Health, Co. Mayo
To discuss any issues that from the webinar, or for support in Older People’s Housing, please feel free to get in touch with our health, care and support team: Liz.Zacharias@campbelltickell.com or Holly.Holder@campbelltickell.com.
