Featured News Archives - Tuath Housing

Tuath Housing Launches Social Value and Impact Reports for 2024 Tenant Engagement Initiatives

Tuath Housing is proud to launch four Social Value and Impact Reports which showcase last year’s significant tenant engagement achievements.

These reports have been produced with the valuable input and approval from the newly formed Resident Feedback Panel.

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The Tuath New Horizons Education Bursary had a significant social impact in 2024 by providing over €28,000 in funding to 35 recipients, empowering residents to access valuable educational and training opportunities.

To read more, and to learn about how Tuath continues to improve the delivery of this bursary, click on the image below.

Tuath has also launched the Tuath Housing 2024 Age-Friendly Community Assessment Social Value and Impact report.

Participation by residents strengthens community bonds, ensures services align with real needs and enhances overall quality of life, creating meaningful social value for all.

To learn more about how residents in age-friendly schemes play a crucial role in this objective, click on the image below.

The 2024 Social Value and Impact report on the Tuath Housing Community Fund highlights how 19 recipients, including residents’ groups, voluntary organisations, and community groups, received a total of €25,000 to support their community last year. This year, the fund has increased, allowing resident groups and services to apply for up to €2,500 to support their projects, initiatives, and events.

To find out more, click on the image below.

Last year, Tuath Housing launched the 2024 Social Impact report on Tuath’s Property Services Resident Feedback Panel.

This initiative is a collaborative approach for Tuath residents and staff to review and contribute to the organisation’s policies and procedures related to Property Services and Repairs and this report outlines the panel’s objectives, outcomes, and the impact made since its inception.

Find more out more by clicking on the image below.

Tuath events at the 2025 Dublin International Social Housing, 4-6 June

Tuath Housing is proud to be an executive partner of the 2025 International Social Housing Festival, which will be hosted at the Convention Centre Dublin and a number of nearby sites.

Tuath is set to make a significant impact at the ISHF 2025 with a series of engaging and informative events. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store:

TUATH-LED EVENTS

Wednesday 4 June

Ellis Court Site Visit – 14:00

Tuath Housing invites festival delegates to visit Ellis Court on Benburb Street in Dublin 7 for a site tour, photo exhibition and panel discussion.

Built in the 1880s, and once part of Ireland’s first ever social housing schemes, Tuath Housing partnered with Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing to refurbish, regenerate and repurpose this previously derelict development into 22 social homes.

The visit will begin in the courtyard with a workshop led by Dr Ruth McManus from DCU, focusing on the history of social housing, followed by a session on its redevelopment by Marie McNamara, Head of Construction at Tuath and John Campbell from Coady Architects. Meanwhile, residents will share their experiences of living at Ellis Court.

Registered delegates can take the Red Line Luas from Spencer Dock to Museum to access this event, a journey which takes only 22 minutes. Information on how to register for this event will be released closer to the date.

De Verdon Place Site Visit ‘Challenges and opportunities in mixed tenure housing’ – 14:00

Tuath invites ISHF delegates for a site visit and panel discussion at De Verdon Place. This 238-home Cost Rental and social home development on the Malahide Road in Dublin 17 marks Dublin City’s first Cost Rental development and one of Ireland’s largest public housing schemes to date.

The panel discussion, focusing on the tenant experience at De Verdon Place, community initiatives to date and the development’s delivery process, will feature Bronagh D’Arcy, Tuath’s Chief Operating Officer, Martin Loughran, Tuath’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, and representatives from Dublin City Council and developer GEM Construction Ltd.

Registered delegates can access the event via private transport organised by Tuath Housing. Information on how to register for this event will be released closer to the date.

Cost Rental Research Workshop – 14:15

In September 2024, Tuath partnered with Clúid, Respond and researchers from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin to launch the first major piece of research into Cost Rental housing in Ireland. The report, ‘The Impact of Cost Rental Housing: Security, Affordability and Place,’ was funded by the Housing Agency.

The project partners will come together again at the ISHF to present this research, with speakers including Dr Mick Byrne from University College Dublin, Dr Cian O’Callaghan and residents from Tuath Housing and Clúid. The event will be moderated by Niamh Randall from Respond.

The full report can be found here:

ISHF delegates can attend this event in Liffey Hall 1 of the Convention Centre Dublin.

Thursday 5 June

‘Montpelier site visit’ – 14:00

Tuath Housing will participate in a site visit with delegates from the International Social Housing Festival (ISHF) to Montpelier; a new mixed tenure housing development, delivering over 1,000 homes consisting of Cost Rental, Social, and Affordable housing, in Dublin 7. Delegates will tour Montpelier, viewing the first tranche of completed homes which are for sale under the Affordable for sale initiative. Tuath is working in partnership with Bartra and Dublin City Council to deliver 264 new Cost Rental homes within the development. Marie McNamara, Head of Construction, will discuss Tuath’s Cost Rental programme and explained how these homes will integrate into the new mixed tenure development.

Friday 6 June

‘A circular approach to retrofitting’ – 11:00

On Friday, Tuath Housing and KORE will host a seminar on Circular Reno in Ireland. The session will cover the project’s background, supply chain development, learnings from initial retrofits, and a ‘show and tell’ with biobased materials. Speakers include Jennifer Whitty and Paul Grennan from Tuath, alongside representatives from KORE and EnergieSprong FR.

The event will take place on the Research Stage at the Convention Centre.

FURTHER EVENTS FEATURING TUATH STAFF AND RESIDENTS AT THE ISHF

All of the below events will take place in the Convention Centre Dublin.

Wednesday 4 June, 12:15: An Evidence Based Framework for Tenant Engagement in Ireland

This event will feature the pre-launch of an Irish Tenant Engagement network research paper on tenancy engagement in Ireland with Margaret Hanrahan, Tuath Tenant Engagement Manager in Liffey Meeting Room 2B.

Wednesday 4 June, 9:30 and Thursday 5 June, 9:30: Social Topic Group – storytelling and co-production in social housing

On Wednesday 4 June, Tuath will host the first part of this event in our office at 37-42 James’s Place East, which will feature a Tuath resident.

On Thursday 5 June, Former Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors Paddy Gray will chair a session on behalf of the European Federation for Living in Liffey Hall 2 at the Convention Centre.

For further information and to register, visit Social Topic Group Dublin 4 & 5 June 2025 – EFL European Federation for Living

Thursday 5 June, 11:00: Factory Homes: ‘Can Modern Methods of Construction help address the affordable housing crisis?’

A member of Tuath’s Development team will feature in this panel discussion, taking place on the Innovation Stage at the Convention Centre.

Friday 6 June, 12:00: Housing Alliance Climate Action Welfare Group Session

Kate Joyce, Head of Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Tuath Housing will feature in this event where which will discuss the work of Ireland’s Housing Alliance around sustainability and climate action.

Friday 6 June, 14:15: Rightsizing Scheme in Partnership with Tuath Housing

This event, organised by Cork City Council, will discuss Springville House as a rightsizing scheme in Cork City, a development managed by Tuath Housing.

Ongoing: Tuath Housing Climate Action Resident fund display

Throughout the conference, the work of Tuath’s Climate Action Resident Fund will be on display in the National Convention Centre.

For further information on the Fund, visit Tuath Foundation – Tuath Housing

For updates on these innovative projects and initiatives, please visit this webpage and follow the Tuath social media accounts.

For further information on the ISHF, and to register, visit ALL ABOUT ISHF | International Social

Results published for Quarter 1 Tenant Satisfaction Survey

The results of a survey carried out during quarter 1 of 2025 have just been published, detailing residents’ experiences of how Tuath delivers key services and maintains its homes.

Tuath is delighted to announce that nine in ten residents are satisfied with the overall quality of their homes (89%), while more than more than six out of seven residents are satisfied with the overall service provided by Tuath Housing (85%).

Carrying out this survey is just part of the work Tuath Housing does to involve residents in developing services. As well as publishing the results of the survey, Tuath Housing plans to put the findings to good use by working with residents to further improve the services provided to them.

Please click on the image below to view the Tuath Housing Resident Satisfaction Survey Q1 2025.

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

For additional information, terms and conditions, please email: tuathcommunityfund@tuathhousing.ie

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.