Cohousing Communities Ireland (CCI), a not-for-profit organisation, is calling for the Government to get behind the housing model.

Residents of co-housing communities own purpose-built, low-maintenance homes with shared spaces such as kitchens, dining areas, guest accommodation, gyms and gardens.

They are self-organised and residents collaborate on key decisions such as site selection, housing design and shared facilities.

CCI says co-housing can be part of a “strategy to tackle ­Ireland’s housing crisis” by “releasing ­larger family homes onto the market”.

First established in Denmark in the 1960s, co-housing grew across Europe and the US as an alternative to traditional housing.

Despite its success abroad, Ireland has yet to embrace the model. CCI is considering a number of potential sites in Dublin, including one in Dublin 6, to propose as suitable places for development.

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It said it is ready to engage with key stakeholders ­including the Housing Agency, Dublin City Council and other local authorities, as well as financial institutions, to expand the model across the country.

Ana Dolan of CCI said in light of the housing crisis, “now is the time for policymakers to act”.

She said that every year, over 70,000 people in Ireland turn 50. About 1.2 million people in the ­Republic of Ireland – over 20pc of the population – are aged 50 to 75.

“Housing options for this demographic directly impact their well-being, independence and quality of life,” Ms Dolan said.

“However, Ireland lacks sufficient housing tailored to ‘middle-agers’ who are still active but often live in family-sized homes that no longer suit their needs.”

Instead of looking for direct government funding, CCI is ­advocating for policy changes to encourage co-housing developments.

This includes a recognition that people over 55 are in a “distinct housing category”.

It has called for councils and the Land Development Agency to make sites available for construction.

Ms Dolan added: “There is no reason Ireland cannot adopt this proven model.

“It requires commitment, ­creativity and a willingness to innovate – a perfect opportunity for the new government to make a lasting impact.”