community Archives - Tuath Housing

Tuath Housing launches three new community spaces across Leinster

Tuath Housing is delighted to have recently launched three new community spaces for residents across Meath, Louth and Dublin.

On 25th September, Tuath officially opened the Lovett House Community Room in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. This new community space now serves as a vibrant hub for residents of the 38 apartments in this development to hold cultural events, workshops and educational programmes. Residents of all ages enjoyed refreshments at the launch event, taking the opportunity to peruse the new library and television set while connecting with neighbours and making plans for future community initiatives. This exciting initiative was made possible with thanks to the Department of Rural and Community Development, the local Community Development Committee and Pearse Street library.

On Tuesday 29th October, the newly refurbished Metges Road Community Room was officially launched in Navan, Co. Meath. Made possible through the generosity of developer Lydon who have gifted this space to Tuath, and through funding from Tuath Housing, this space is intended for use by residents of nearby Knightsbrook, Dunville House and Metges Road. On the day, Cllr Eddie Fennessy, Mayor of Navan, and Niall Duffy, a Housing Manager with Tuath, shared a few words to celebrate this opening. Cllr Fennessy noted the space “is a much-needed amenity for a large and growing number of residents in the Johnstown area.” Residents and Tuath staff were joined by representatives from the local Community Gardaí who spoke about their role in the area, while a representative from Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) highlighted the available range of academic and hobby-based courses for local residents. A children’s entertainer while a children’s entertainer painted faces, made balloons and played music.

On Wednesday 30th October, residents at Rampart’s Green, Drogheda celebrated the awarding of € 30,000 from the Housing Finance Agency Social Investment Fund. The event provided residents with an opportunity to imagine how the large outdoor space in the estate will be transformed into a play and seated area with a sensory garden.. The funding will be awarded to North and East Housing Association (NEHA), which was the lead partner in this funding application. The project will be delivered by Tuath and NEHA. We look forward to seeing progress in the coming months.

Tuath would like to thank all partners and funders who contributed to the delivery of these new community spaces. It is hoped that these shared amenities will provide an opportunity for Tuath residents and staff to connect as we continue to develop strong and sustainable communities across Ireland.

Tuath Housing hosts eight summer camps and over ten summer events for residents around the county

In July and August, residents of all ages living in developments at Tuath were invited to participate in summer camps and events throughout Ireland.

Throughout the summer months, eight weeks of camps and over ten summer events took place for Tuath residents around Ireland. A variety of activities took place, facilitated and supported by a variety of organisations and funders.

These summer events and camps have empowered residents, both young and old, to build confidence, develop new skills & connect with their community by making new friends and connecting with neighbours. By providing opportunities for residents to participate in their local community and enhance their confidence and skills, Tuath empowers residents while continuing to foster sustainable communities.

Summer camps

Over three weeks in July and August Tuath partnered with Little Fitness, a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation to host three camps which focused on fun and educational fitness for children of all abilities. Two camps took place in the community space at Aldborough in Greystones, Co. Wicklow while campers from Shackleton Hall, Lucan and Cooleven, Clondalkin joined together in Adamstown Community Centre for another enjoyable week funded by the HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme. Campers tried a wide variety of physical and creative activities, including classes in dance, fitness, hip hop, arts and crafts, with Weightlifting Ireland facilitating a weightlifting session.

In July, Tuath hosted two five-day summer camps for younger residents in Navan, Bettystown and Drogheda in Meath and Louth, facilitated by Starcamp. Campers learned essential confidence building, performance and presentation skills and even received a surprise visit from superman! Providing younger residents with opportunities to build these skills and abilities is a key objective of the Tuath Tenant Engagement Strategy 2022-25, as we continue to empower residents of all ages.

Glowcamps facilitated another camp week in July. Younger residents from various Tuath developments across North Dubiln came together to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Lego.

Dundalk FC’s Oriel Park was the venue for 40 children living in Tuath homes across Dundalk to join a camp in July. Funded by Healthy Louth, the campers were very active and learned many new soccer skills. The highlight of the week was perhaps a visit from the Dundalk FC men’s first team who came to meet the young residents and sign autographs.

In Cork, residents of The Meadows in Knocknacullen were invited to a week of varied sports and activities, funded by Tuath Housing in Terence McSweney Hall. This is the second year that a Let’s Go Camp has taken place near The Meadows, as the Housing Finance Agency Social Investment Fund for local community initiatives supported the roll-out of this camp last year.

OSM PHOTO – 09/08/2024 – REPRO FREE for Editorial/Press – Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

Summer Events

Over ten summer events took place in Tuath developments across the country throughout June, July and August.

In Cork, residents at Milestream, Shanakiel enjoyed ‘Sports on the Green,’ while a Summer Festival took place in Bishop’s Avenue.

Meanwhile in Dublin, there was face painting, magic and doughnuts for residents of Burnell, North Dublin. At Woodside on the Enniskerry Road, residents were invited to an end of summer arts and crafts event, creating beautiful art from sustainable supplies like paper, paper plate and lollipop sticks. In Ellis Court, there was entertainment, food and fun for their end of summer event.

In Kilternan, younger residents and their families had fun dancing, playing games and enjoying a meal together. Members of the Tuath Property Services department attended, giving residents a chance to talk with staff from the repairs and maintenance team. Initiatives like this provide a wonderful opportunity for resident involvement, as residents can talk with Tuath staff and seek solutions to their concerns, while allowing Tuath to make resident-informed service delivery decisions.

In Cois Cuain, Drogheda, residents hired a mobile video game van and kid’s soft play bus, with the assistance of funding from Tuath. Liscorrie Residents’ Association in Drogheda were also supported by Tuath funding to have an event on the estate’s green. At Dundoogan in Dundalk, the Residents’ Association hosted an end of summer family fun day where attendees enjoyed an ice cream van, snacks and hot drinks in the shining sun.

With funding from the HSE, Community groups at Kickham Street and Mill Crescent in Carrick-On-Suir, Tipperary, combined to host a Community Fun Day filled with entertainment, games and bubbles to wrap up the summer holidays. Two days of events in Wexford were also made possible through HSE funding as residents at Kerlogue Manor, Forgelands, Ramstown and Gleann An Ghairdín enjoyed a mobile farm event from Nore Valley Park Mobile Farm for residents to enjoy and feed the animals.

Congratulations to all residents and staff involved in these events and camps throughout the summer months. Thank you to facilitators and funders for their support in empowering and connecting with residents throughout the country at Tuath.

Tuath Housing celebrates record-breaking success in 2023

2,482 homes delivered across Ireland amidst unprecedented achievements

Bob Jordan, CEO of The Housing Agency, officially launched the report at Tuath’s Dublin Office on James Place East, with attendance from government officials, statutory bodies, local authorities, and professionals in the social and affordable housing sectors.

Tuath Housing, one of Ireland’s largest approved housing bodies, worked in partnership with its many stakeholders to deliver a record 2,482 homes in 2023, providing housing for over 7,000 people across 16 local authorities nationwide. The organisation reported an impressive annual income of €134 million. Additionally, 66 new staff members were hired, bringing the total workforce to 215 employees across five offices nationwide.

The report highlights significant achievements, including the addition of 2,482 new homes, bringing the total number of homes under management to 13,000. Tuath continued its commitment to cost rental housing, delivering over 450 cost rental homes to date with an additional 2,000 coast rental homes in the pipeline. Cost rental provides secure, long-term rental options for middle-income earners ineligible for social housing supports.

Financial resilience was a cornerstone of Tuath’s success in 2023, with €406 million invested in building and acquiring new homes. The historical cost value of the housing stock stands at €1.9 billion, reflecting robust financial health. Tuath also secured the first Credit Union debt facility of €25 million, reinforcing its financial stability.

Sustainability was at the forefront of Tuath’s efforts, marked by the completion of energy upgrade works on 185 homes and participation in the Circular Reno project, a European Union-funded initiative focused on scalable biobased deep energy retrofit packages. These initiatives demonstrate Tuath’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly and sustainable communities.

Currently, Tuath has 5,000 homes in its pipeline, working with its partners to invest in people, places, and communities by providing more homes and greater choice.

Bob Jordan, CEO of the Housing Agency, expressed his support for Tuath Housing’s achievements, emphasising the critical role of approved housing bodies in addressing Ireland’s housing needs.

Prof. Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors, stated, “Tuath is a people-driven organisation, committed to first-class customer service. This annual report showcases our achievements, hard work, and investment in 2023, ensuring the continuation of social and affordable housing delivery into the future.”

CEO of Tuath Housing, Sean O’Connor, commented, “We are thrilled to launch our 2023 Annual Report and share the progress and success we’ve achieved over the past year. Despite challenges posed by inflation and the rising cost of living, we have remained committed to our mission of providing high-quality housing to those in need. The report reflects the dedication of all Tuath staff, supported by our experienced and dedicated voluntary board.”

Tuath Housing Community Fund 2023

Tuath’s Community Funding Continues to Empower Local Projects and Help Build Sustainable Communities

A highlight of Tuath’s commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities is the Tuath Housing Community Fund. Each year €10,000 is invested through the Community Fund to support projects where Tuath residents live. Applications can be made for €250 or up to €1,000.

In 2024, the Community Fund was increased to €25,000 in line with the increasing demand from communities. Residents’ Groups can apply annually for financial support from this fund, providing them with the means to undertake projects that contribute to the well-being of their communities.

This year, 19 community projects were supported through the fund such as Residents Groups, Family Resource Centres, Tusla-Child & Family Support Network, Youth Centre and many area based local support services to our residents. We supported local communities through funding which has a significant impact on the well-being and overall quality of life for the people living there.

By investing in local services and resources, organisations like Tuath Housing Community Funds can help to strengthen community bonds, promote togetherness, and build more sustainable communities.

Check out some of the groups below that received funding through this years Tuath Community Fund:

Tuath Celebrates World Book and Copyright Day

Communities Receive Library Boxes as Part of World Book and Copyright Day Celebration

Tuath staff, residents, local Gardaí and staff from Dublin Libraries at Burnell Place, Dublin for the celebration event to mark World Book and Copyright Day

Tuath Housing marked World Book and Copyright Day on April 23rd with a network of events promoting literacy and community engagement across developments in Cork, Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare. On the day, several community library boxes were unveiled as part of a wider effort to encourage reading and learning, particularly among younger residents.

Member of An Gardaí reading to a young resident at Burnell Place, Dublin

The initiative was the result of wider collaboration between Tuath and several organisaton partners. To produce the boxes, Tuath teamed up with PACE (Pathways to Accessing Community Employment), a voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting individuals reintegrating into society after involvement with the criminal justice system.

Participants in the PACE initiative produced the Libraries for World Book and Copyright Day celebrations

In addition to PACE, Tuath collaborated with children’s book charities, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), and local libraries to ensure a diverse and engaging collection of reading materials for the community library boxes. This effort also included encouraging residents to sign up for local library memberships, strengthening connections between Tuath developments and already established community resources.

Young resident in Wicklow with her new book

Children’s Books Ireland generously donated 30 books to be shared among the schemes, while Coolock local library contributed a substantial number of books. The Community Gardai also showed their support at the events, while at Stepaside in Dublin, Dundrum Library staff were on site to sign up attendees also. In Meath, Navan Library generously donated books for younger attendees while at Arus Mhuire in Cork, residents swapped books and donated for the community library box.

Tuath Tenant Engagement Officer Amanda McDonnell (Left) with staff from Dundrum Libraries at the Woodside, Dublin event

At all the events, residents were encouraged to ‘Bring A Book & Take A Book’. We hope this initiative will give residents direct access to reading material and also provide an opportunity to share their much-loved books with their friends and neighbours in the community.

Residents of Arus Mhuire, Cork (Left) and Tuath staff, residents and Meath County Council (Right) celebrate World Book and Copyright Day

Tuath launches Year 1 Monitoring Report for 2022-25 Tenant Engagement Strategy

Tuath launched the Year 1 Monitoring Report for the Tuath 2022-25 Tenant Engagement Strategy at events across Dublin on Tuesday 26 March.

The report highlights the events and initiatives facilitated by residents and employees at Tuath throughout 2023 which work towards the goals of the strategy. The strategy endeavours to involve, enable, communicate with, build, integrate, embed and empower residents through positive connection, communication, consultation and support.

Tuath would like to thank all teams in Tuath, residents, residents’ groups, local authorities, community partners, interagency organisations and all those who have transformed the Tuath vision into reality, creating an environment where tenant engagement is not just a strategy but a way of life.

The report and strategy can be found in Tuath publications.

We look forward to continuing our work with residents, partners and stakeholders in the Tuath community and affordable housing sector.

Be Winter Ready

As the cold weather sets in, households may face high energy bills. This page includes useful advice and tips including Budgeting/ Financial Tips, Cost-of-living payments & welfare entitlements, Energy Customer Rights/ Entitlements.

You can also find useful information in SEAI’s ‘Reduce your Use’ booklet here:

It is important to stay safe during the colder months. Please visit the Gov.ie ‘Be Winter Ready’ page with lots of information on how to stay safe during the winter months, and where to find help should you need it.

https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready/#

1. Energy Saving Tips in the home

Did you know there are ways you can reduce your energy and fuel consumption in your home? Check out the following energy saving tips:

2. Cost of Living Payments & Welfare Entitlements

Did you know that in the 2023 Budget there are payments to help those households who may be on a lower income. Have a look at our Budget 2023 Cost of Living Payments guide to find what you might be entitled to and when you should receive it.

To view the latest Cost of Living Payments available from Budget 2024, including upcoming energy bill credits, visit the Citizen’s Information page here:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money-and-tax/cost-of-living

You also might be entitled to social welfare payments and income that you are not already claiming.

3. Information on Electricity Supplier

Make sure you know your rights and entitlements this winter when it comes to your electricity supply and rates. Contact Electric Ireland on 1800 372 372. You can also find more information on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities website on how to deal with your utility supplier or network operator: https://www.cru.ie/home/customer-care/

Rent Review 2023 Survey

Review: Tuath’s New Horizons Educations Bursary 2023

In 2023, Tuath Housing launched its inaugural “New Horizon” Education Bursary. The funding provided forms part of Tuaths’ commitment under the Tenant Engagement Strategy 2022-2025 to support residents to partake in accredited or non-accredited courses, short or long-term. Funding provided varied from €250 to €1000. The overall funding was €20,000, all of the funding was allocated, the New Horizons Education Bursary received a positive engagement from Tuath residents.

Introduction

The new fund launched in May of 2023 across all of Tuath Housings social media platforms, Tuath Housing website and advertised in the Spring/ Summer residents’ magazine. A trusting relationship was built with residents and Tuaths Tenant Engagement team to assist residents with the application process. Residents expressed different opinions and expectations about starting and returning to education. These included boosting confidence and social skills, meeting new people, and enhancing their employability skills. Tuaths Tenant Engagement team helped with any additional supports required to support applicants. There was a positive response for the bursary, over 120 people expressed interest, whilst 80 applicants completed an application, and overall, 22 residents were approved the bursary.

Below is a summary of the application process, a breakdown of the courses and the funding provided to each applicant.

Application Process

Number of Enquiries and Submission Methods

Approximately 120 people expressed an expression of interest in the bursary. The advertisements for the bursary were on all Tuath social platforms and Tuath Housing website. There were also posters created with QR codes which were disseminated collectively by Housing Service Coordinators and the Tenant Engagement team to the residents whilst onsite.

There were various submission methods for applicants to apply:

QR codes which gave the applicants as an option to scan and access application and apply directly online for education bursary.
Alternative options were also accessible to applicants whereby they could get their applications sent through post or sent by email directly to their email account.

Application Response
Some of the applicants were residents and non-residents as well as applicants who did meet the course criteria. Below is a brief analysis of the applicants that expressed interest and put forward an application.3.

Application Analysis
Breakdown of expression of interest, total applications received, and total applications approved for bursary.

A. – Approval Statistics

Expression of Interest: 120
Total Applications: 59
Residents Approved: 22

Below is a breakdown of applicants that were Ineligible for bursary.

B. – Ineligible Applicants

Non-residents
Applicants applied for funding for equipment and materials rather than course fees
Some applicants were in receipt of government and other education funding
Lack of correspondence after application submission did not return necessary documentation
Some residents applying for the bursary next academic year 2024

C. – Eligible Applicants

The following table lists the various courses and college that the 22 residents have signed up to. The majority of funding was paid directly to educational institutions to pay full or partial fees for residents towards short- and long-term courses which are accredit and non-accredited.

Judging Panel
The Education Bursary panel consisted of one member of Tuath Board of Management and two Tuath Housing Managers. We would like to thank the judging panel for their time in assisting the Tenant Engagement team with the bursary process.

Conclusion
In 2023, the New Horizons Education Bursary proved to be an enormous success! Over 22 Tuath residents will benefit from funding that will help them progress on their personal and professional journey. We wish all of the recipients the best of luck this year.
In 2024, we will contact our residents to learn more about their experiences and how they are progressing with their educational journey. We will also open the 2024 bursary in two phases next year (January to May and August to November) due to the bursary’s overwhelming demand. Accessibility will be provided by a biannual bursary opening.

Tuath strengthens commitment to sustainability with new strategic objective: ‘A Sustainable Future.’

Tuath has doubled down on its commitment to sustainability with the inclusion of a separate key pillar in its Strategic Plan.

The establishment of this new Strategic Objective underscores Tuath’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Sustainability, for Tuath, means achieving a harmonious balance between organisational growth, the delivery of homes, environmental care, good governance, ethical responsibility and social well-being for tenants, employees, and communities.

Business Plan ESG Commitment:

Tuath is actively embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices into its operations. The business plan emphasises reducing our carbon footprint, ensuring good governance, and upholding social responsibility.

Tuath is developing a roadmap towards a lower carbon and sustainable future for both the organisation and tenants.

Key initiatives include:

Statutory Reporting Preparation
- Tuath is preparing for statutory reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), becoming mandatory from 2026. The organisation is working with Deloitte to establish best practices for its first CSRD return.
ESG Reporting Framework
- Tuath has established an ESG Reporting Framework, including targets and metrics, to collate data for future statutory reporting. This framework covers waste management, energy consumption, biodiversity impact, and more.
ESG Working Group and GREEN Team
- An internal ESG Working Group and a staff member GREEN Team have been established, comprising senior management, board members, and staff representation. These teams focus on strategic and practical implementation of sustainability initiatives across the business.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Tuath has completed a Scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint analysis of the organisation, demonstrating a 16% decrease in carbon intensity since 2020. Targets for energy efficiency and climate action have been established to build upon this progress.

Sustainable Development and Renovation

Tuath is actively engaged in sustainable development and renovation projects nationwide.

Key Actions & Commitments

Annual ESG reporting in accordance with the ESG Charter and Framework.
Preparation for reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive from 2025.
Continuous reduction of carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency.
A Social Value Framework to assess the impact on tenant and community well-being.
Exemplary governance and regulatory compliance, operating with integrity and transparency.

Tuath remains dedicated to making the social and affordable housing more sustainable, delivering positive environmental and social impacts for residents, employees, and the wider community.

Tuath’s CEO Sean O’Connor said “Tuath’s ESG charter echoes our unwavering commitment to weaving environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and ethical governance into the fabric of our operations. At Tuath, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey, and our ESG charter is the roadmap guiding us toward a future where every home we build, and every community we are part of is sustainable.”

Will McCabe, Board Director, ” I find immense purpose in Tuath’s ESG commitment. It’s more than a set of principles; it’s our collective responsibility to leave a positive impact. With every decision, we affirm our dedication to sustainable practices, community well-being, and ethical governance. Tuath’s ESG charter reflects not just our values but our promise to stakeholders that we’re shaping a future where social and environmental considerations are integral to our success.”

“Tuath’s Head of Sustainability Kate Joyce emphasised, ‘Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond rhetoric—it is now embedded within our strategic plan. We’re not just building homes; we’re creating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.”