Clare County Council is being urged to enhance its downsizing and disability respite housing plan.

According to the latest census, there are 12,400 senior citizen homeowners in this county with at least one unoccupied room.

It's understood the issue is of particular concern in Shannon due to its prevailing older population, while the town also has 774 adults registered as living with a disability to a great extent.

Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy says joined up thinking is needed between the HSE and local authority.