The government in Ireland is to begin paying older people to downsize and move into age-friendly neighbourhoods, according to the Irish Independent.

Citing an unpublished report, the newspaper says that older people living in social housing will be offered financial incentives before the end of the year, ahead of extending the scheme to private homeowners.

The Housing Options for Our Ageing Population Policy Statement reportedly says that the Irish government wants to encourage older people to move from “right-sized to appropriately sized units”.

It also says that 50% of all new apartments and 30% of houses should be suitable for older people and those with mobility issues. The report comes as the recently appointed chair of the Land Development Agency (LDA), John Moran, has said that the new State body should focus on developing rental-only apartments in city centres.

In his first major interview since his appointment, Moran, a former Department of Finance secretary general, said he wants the agency to develop State-owned apartment complexes where people can rent for their entire lives. The rental model would allow a couple to pay enough rent during their working lives to allow them to stay in the apartment until they pass away.