Category: Featured News

Tuath Housing appoints Richard Pike as Chair of Voluntary Board of Directors

Tuath Housing is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Pike as Chair of its Voluntary Board of Directors. A Director since 2022, Richard previously led Tuath’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Richard has extensive experience of plc boards and highly regulated industries. He is particularly skilled in applying excellent governance at firms while developing innovative cultures that utilise new digital technologies effectively. He currently serves as Chair of FBD Insurance plc, Citadel Securities (Ireland) Ltd, and Citadel Securities (Europe) Ltd.

Richard’s earlier roles include senior risk positions with Permanent TSB, JP Morgan, ABN AMRO, and Bain. A recognised authority in operational and financial risk, he lectures at the Institute of Banking and Smurfit Business School and holds the ‘Certified Bank Director’ designation.

His appointment continues a family legacy at Tuath. Richard is following in the footsteps of his father, James Pike, who served as Chair until 2013.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Pike said:
“It is an honour to take on the role of Chair at Tuath Housing. I look forward to building on the great work already done, working with the Board and executive team to support Tuath’s mission to invest in people and places by delivering more homes and greater choice for individuals and families across Ireland.”

Tuath’s Chief Executive Officer Sean O’Connor welcomed the appointment:
“Richard brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and leadership to this role. We are confident that under his guidance, Tuath will continue to grow and deliver on its social mission with impact and integrity.”

Richard replaces Prof Paddy Gray as Chair of the Board of Tuath. With over 400 publications on housing-related issues, Paddy has extensive academic and applied research experience and is a regular media commentator and expert advisor to government. He will continue as a Director of the Board.

This new Board term also sees two long-serving Directors come to the end of their tenures. Patricia Goan has stepped down, finishing her role as Vice-Chair of the board and Chair of Development Committee, while Kerry Anthony has also stepped down, finishing as Chair of the Governance and People Committee.

Tuath’s highly skilled Board of Directors is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance consistent with the complexities of the housing sector. The Board oversees our strategic direction, reviews progress, and advises senior management. Tuath Board Members are all volunteers who are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and making sure it has the resources to achieve this.

Applications open for 2025 Tuath Community Fund

Tuath Housing is proud to welcome applications for the 2025 Tuath Community Fund. 

Established in 2020, this fund supports local projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing and resilience.

To date, the initiative has funded projects that create safe community spaces, encourage creativity and support children, families and older residents. Rooted in Tuath Housing’s Tenant Engagement Strategy, the fund empowers residents and local groups to take an active role in shaping their communities, fostering inclusion, well-being, and resilience. By investing in social, educational, recreational, and environmental projects, the fund not only improves quality of life but also strengthens community ties, creating spaces where residents feel valued, heard, and supported.

This year, we are delighted to announce that the fund has increased. Resident groups and services can now apply for up to € 2,500 to support their projects, initiatives and events.

Applications are open from 15 April and will close on 30 May. Following this, a judging panel will review all applications. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.

Applications must be submitted via an online form here:  https://forms.office.com/e/iedQWxWCeK 

Please note that all invoices/quotes should be emailed separately to [email protected].

Lease also note that the Fund’s guidelines and terms and conditions, available below, must be read in advance of applying.

Best of luck to all applicants!

Tuath Housing launches Biodiversity Booklet for Residents at sustainable Navan Easter event

On Wednesday 16 April in Navan, Tuath Housing hosted a sustainable Easter event to celebrate the launch of the new Tuath Biodiversity Booklet for Residents.

This exciting new booklet offers residents information and tips on how they can enhance biodiversity in their homes and communities.

At the event itself, Meath Library was present for children’s storytelling and a craft workshop. In line with the theme of sustainability at this event, Voice Ireland delivered a workshop to residents highlighting the importance of recycling.. After the workshop, a children’s entertainer set up games, played music and painted faces.

This Easter event marks one of many festive activities being hosted by Tuath Housing over the school break, as we continue to develop strong and sustainable communities nationwide.

Learn more by clicking on the image below:

The Tuath Foundation: ‘Building brighter futures’

Tuath Housing launches foundation for residents 

Tuath Housing is proud to announce the launch of the Tuath Foundation. This dedicated initiative will enhance residents’ wellbeing and promote community engagement by bringing together new and existing support programmes under one umbrella.

These programmes include the established New Horizons Education Bursary and Tuath Community Fund, as well as three new initiatives: the Digital Support Fund, the Social Inclusion and Diversity Fund, and the Climate Action Fund.

Launching the foundation today, Prof Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath Housing, commented: “Our residents are at the very heart of what we do at Tuath and the foundation is our commitment to them that we will continue to support them in ‘building brighter futures’. I am certain that this initiative will be a catalyst for positive change and we are excited to see the difference it will make in the lives of our residents and the wider communities we serve.”

Tuath resident, Mark, who recently benefitted from the New Horizons Education Bursary, shared his experience, stating: “With the New Horizons Education Bursary, I have been able to develop my skills by pursuing a master’s degree. I am happy to hear that with the Tuath Foundation, even more supports and opportunities will be available to residents and community groups. The support and encouragement from Tuath has been invaluable and I would recommend to any other residents thinking of applying for the Bursary, or another fund, to go for it.”

 Funding initiatives to strengthen communities

The Tuath Foundation will offer various funding streams to support residents and community groups:

  • New Horizons Education Bursary: Launched in 2023, this bursary provides support for Tuath residents pursuing accredited or non-accredited courses. To date, the bursary has been awarded to 57 Tuath residents.
  • Tuath Community Fund: Established in 2020, this fund is available for local projects that create safe community spaces, encourage creativity, and support children, families, and older residents.
  • Digital Support Fund: This is a new initiative to help residents access digital tools, training and essential online services. It will also support participants of the Education Bursary, as well as age-friendly digital inclusion initiatives.
  • Social Inclusion and Diversity Fund: Recognising Ireland’s diverse communities, this fund will support cultural events, training, and programmes that promote integration, understanding and inclusion.
  • Climate Action Fund: This fund will be used to enhance green spaces, promote sustainable practices and help communities adapt to climate change.

Tuath Foundation funding is open to Tuath residents, residents’ groups, community organisations, and voluntary groups. Applications for the various funds will open at different intervals throughout the year.

Residents and community groups can find more information and apply via the Tuath Housing website at tuathhousing.ie/tuath-foundation/

In Memoriam: Chris Oakes

It is with great sadness that we regret to advise that the death has occurred of Chris Oakes, former Chair, Company Secretary and long-serving Board member of Tuath Housing. Chris gave two decades of loyal service to Tuath, joining the Board in 2003 and retiring in 2023. He was Chair of the Board from 2006 to 2010 and served as Company Secretary from 2016 to 2019.

Chris was a wonderful ambassador and true champion for Tuath. His knowledge, expertise and leadership had a hugely positive impact on the organisation. We are truly grateful for his dedication and the outstanding contribution Chris made to Tuath. He was immensely proud of Tuath’s work and how we had provided secure and affordable homes to thousands of people in housing need. Chris will be greatly missed by everyone who had the luck to know him. Everyone’s thoughts at Tuath are with his family and friends.

Rest in Peace Christopher. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

 

Johnstown & Navan Open Evening – Join us!

Linking you with community services: Join us for our Open Evening for all residents living in the Johnstown / Navan Area

We are excited to invite all residents of the Johnstown and Navan area to our Open Evening at Metges Road Community Room on 12 March from 5PM to 7PM. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local services offering upskilling, training, career advice, coaching, youth services, health and fitness classes, and much more, all free of charge.

Event highlights:

  • Upskilling and training
  • Hobby courses
  • Career advice and coaching
  • Workshops in health and wellness
  • Physical training and fitness classes for all ages, including individuals with disabilities, children, and older persons
  • Services for parents (youth club enrolment, local library, story time, reading and crafts for children)
  • Education programmes on the risk of chronic disease
  • Information on setting up a small business

Event Details:

Date: 12 March

Time: 5PM – 7PM

Venue: Metges Place, Community Building, Metges Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15 DTH9

Join us and find out how these services can benefit you and your family! Everyone is welcome!

For further information, call Ita at Tuath Housing on 087 4283402.

 

Tuath Housing and Louth County Council partner to open new homes for older persons and individuals with disabilities

Assisted living scheme officially launched at ceremony in Dundalk

Louth County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Callan has officially opened Coulter Close, a new assisted living development in Dundalk.

Cllr Callan was joined by residents of the development and their family members at the launch event, as well as invited guests from Tuath Housing and project partners, Louth County Council, Inclusion Louth, St John of God’s Community Services, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Health Service Executive.

Inclusion Louth initiated the project on the Armagh Road, which saw Tuath Housing Association partner with Louth County Council to deliver this seven-home long-term assisted living residential development, meeting local housing needs. These homes are being allocated to older persons and individuals with disabilities on the local authority housing waiting list.

A welcome address was delivered by Bronagh D’Arcy, Chief Operating Officer of Tuath, the organisation which oversaw the direct build of these homes. Mary Connolly, Committee Member, Inclusion Louth, then spoke on the organisation’s role in the project at the event. Kevin Madigan, CEO of St John of God’s Community Services, also shared a few words. Resident Mary McAlester also spoke, expressing her gratitude for her new home.

Intellectual Disability Services from St John of God’s Community Service occupy one of the units in Coulter Close, an initiative which was funded through the HSE. A blessing of their unit was also conducted during the event.

The units, constructed by CJ Callan and designed by O’Brien Finucane Architects are all at ground level with garden and common area access, designed to prioritise accessibility, independence and community interaction.

These homes were made possible through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Capital Assistance Scheme which funds housing for priority groups such as older persons, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness; land provided by Louth County Council and funding for care provision through the HSE.

The Tuath New Horizons Education Bursary is now open for applications!

The Tuath New Horizons Education Bursary is now open for applications!

We are delighted to announce that the first round of applications for the New Horizons Education Bursary 2025 is now open! This bursary offers residents to chance to apply for up to €2,000 in funding to invest in education or training programs of their choice.

Last year, Tuath Housing awarded just under €30,000 in bursary funding to 35 residents – supporting courses from university degrees and professional training to personal development. This year, we’re committed to helping even more residents achieve their education and career goals.

Apply now and take the next step in your learning journey!

Deadline: Friday 11 April at 5PM

Find out more and apply: https://tuathhousing.ie/tuath-education-bursary/

Don’t miss this opportunity – your future starts today!

 

Tuath Housing – Response to Status Red and Orange Weather alerts 23-24 January

Due to the Status Red and Orange Weather alerts in place nationwide from Thursday night to Friday night, the Tuath offices will be closed on Friday 24 January.

Residents can continue to contact Tuath Housing during office hours on the numbers below.

For any out-of-hours emergencies, we ask residents to call their local Tuath Office on the number below, choosing option 1 for Tuath’s out-of-hours service.

Dublin: 01 67 61602
Dundalk: 042 942 3400
Cork: 021 427 3508
Galway: 091 393 280

Status Red warning

A Status Red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. People in the areas affected by Red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their homes.

Widespread disruption to public and other services is to be anticipated.

If you do need to travel, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. It is anticipated that there will be exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger. Do not try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas.

Your Home

Please secure any loose items (bins, trampolines, outdoor lights, etc) in your home’s outdoor spaces (balconies, gardens, etc) to prevent hazards.

Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it is dangerous to leave your home.

Charge your devices ahead of time to ensure you can make essential communications as needed in the case of a power outage.

Please close all windows and when opening doors, be careful to open slowly and to maintain control of the door.

Monitoring updates

In case of emergency, call 112 / 999 for Ambulance, Fire Service, Gardaí or Coast Guard .

Monitor the Met Éireann website (www.met.ie) or social media platforms for the most up to date information.

Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc.) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be / is affected.

Electricity

The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare by ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.

Monitor powercheck.ie regarding power restoration times.

ESB is advising to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately.

 

Water

Monitor https://www.water.ie website regarding water outages.

Remember: as little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.

Advance planning for flooding: you can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data ((https://www.floodinfo.ie )

Stay away from coastal areas during the period. The advice from the Irish Coast Guard is ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.’

 

 

Further information

‘Be Winter Ready’ – follow recommendations before, during and after the event https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d7e51b-be-winter-ready/

 

 

2024 marks another milestone year at Tuath Housing

2024 was another milestone year at Tuath Housing.

We delivered some 2,500 homes throughout the year, reaching the landmark of managing 15,000 homes for some 38,000 residents.

Thank you to our partner sand stakeholders for collaboration in this special year. Throughout 2025, we look forward to continue our work with residents, local authorities and government as we continue to invest in more people, places and communities.