The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) estimates that around 26,000 families are “empty nesters,” that is people, typically older or elderly, living in large homes after their children have left.
Giving cash to thousands of these older people to move out of their larger homes could free up properties for young families, the ESRI has suggested.
Dermot Bannon, architect and star of RTÉ's Home to Improve, says his own mother wouldn't move from her four-bed as there is no suitable alternatives.
Conor Skehan, Chairman of the Housing Agency, say it's a good idea on paper but in reality, people live in homes, not houses. They want to stay in their community and Ireland needs to start building homes suitable for older couples.
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